Chimbonda closes in on Spurs move

Sunderland's 29-year-old defender Pascal Chimbonda has travelled to London to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed return to Tottenham.

The France international has made just 16 appearances for Sunderland since his summer move from White Hart Lane.

After a promising start at the Stadium of Light, he lost his place in the side under former manager Roy Keane.

Black Cats boss Ricky Sbragia said: "If the talks don't work out for him at Spurs, we'd be happy to have him back."

The two clubs agreed a deal on Sunday which could see the Frenchman play for Spurs again after just six months on Wearside.

Despite a patchy season for Sunderland, Chimbonda had been showing signs of a return to form.

He had started the last four games and impressed in the FA Cup fourth-round 0-0 draw with Blackburn at the weekend playing at centre-half instead of his usual position of full-back.

Sbragia added: "I thought he was outstanding on Saturday but he has struggled personally.

"Since he came to the club he's struggled to settle. We had an opportunity to maybe make things a little bit happier for him."

Wigan originally brought Chimbonda to the Premier League from French side Bastia but the full-back lasted just one season before his form at right-back prompted Tottenham to seal his signature for £4.5m in August 2006.

Sbragia declined to reveal the fee, but it is understood the club would recoup what they paid Spurs for Chimbonda - thought to be around £3m - should the deal be sealed.