SUNDERLAND, England (AFP) - French defender Pascal Chimbonda has joined Sunderland from Premier League rivals Tottenham on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, the north-east club announced Saturday.

The 29-year-old full-back, who can also play in the centre of defence, is the second player to move from White Hart Lane to the Stadium of Light this week after Finland midfielder Teemu Tainio.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane told the club's official website: "Pascal is one of those rare players who can play anywhere across the back line and that will be invaluable to us, so we're very pleased to secure his services."

Chimboda joined Tottenham from Wigan for 4.5 million pounds (nine million dollars) two years ago and his top-flight experience was not lost on former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane.

"He has a lot of Premier League experience which can only be a plus for us and he'll give us more options at the back, creating more competition for places there, so all-in-all he's a fantastic signing for us."