The 28-year-old midfielder - who is believed to have cost Sunderland £3million - has agreed a contract to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2011 and is one of four Spurs players that Black Cats manager Roy Keane is hoping to sign.

Keane is confident that Tainio will prove to be an astute addition to his squad for the coming season.

"I'm delighted to sign a player of Teemu's experience and quality," Keane told the club's official website. "He'll be a valuable addition to our squad.

"Teemu has showed versatility, playing in different midfield positions for both Tottenham and his previous club Auxerre.

"But his experience, in particular, and the fact he has played more than 40 international games shows he has a lot to offer Sunderland."

Tainio joined Spurs from Auxerre in 2005 and made 83 appearances during his time at White Hart Lane.

Pascal Chimbonda is also close to joining Sunderland, while Keane is also aiming to bring in Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul.