Keane quick on the draw
Edwards, who performed impressively for his country at last summer’s World Cup, joined the Black Cats from Luton in a £1.5m (€2.2m) deal while Fulop signed from Tottenham for £500,000 (€743,000), with goalkeeper Ben Alnwick moving in the opposite direction in a deal which could ultimately net the Wearsiders £1.3m (€1.9m).
Keane believes the signing of Edwards represents a real coup for Sunderland.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have captured such a sought-after, top player,” the Corkman said.
Fulop joined the club on loan in November and the 23-year-old, who has made only one start so far, is hoping to break into the first team.
Keane added: “Marton is a young, hungry player who clearly wants to do well for the club and hopefully he’ll be a top player for Sunderland.”
Defender Robbie Elliott also left the club today after completing a move to Leeds, while Liam Lawrence has moved to Stoke in a deal worth an initial £500,000 (€743,000).
The 24-year-old Lawrence has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal after impressing during his two-month loan deal at the Britannia Stadium.
Tottenham were the busiest of the Premiership clubs yesterday.
Spurs announced the loan signing of 17-year-old French midfielder Adel Taarabt from Lens, before completing a deal to sign Alnwick from Sunderland.
Tottenham’s sporting director Damien Comolli said: “Ben may only be 20-years-old but he has significant international and Premiership experience.
“Adel is recognised as one of the best talents in Europe for his age group and as a club we’re especially pleased that we beat several leading Premiership clubs to his signature.”
In addition to signing Robbie Elliott from Sunderland, relegation-threatened Leeds have signed Matt Heath from Coventry and have allowed Geoff Horsfield and former Irish international Paul Butler to leave. Elland Road loanees Ugo Ehiogu (Middlesbrough) and Tony Warner (Fulham) have rejoined their respective parent clubs.
Meanwhile, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is prepared to make Tal Ben Haim “an offer he cannot refuse” to keep the Israel international at the Reebok Stadium.
Ben Haim’s displays have attracted many suitors. With the transfer window now open, he is free to open negotiations with interested parties as his contract expires in the summer.
Gartside is still hopeful a deal can be done to extend Ben Haim’s stay at the club.
“We have been talking to Tal for quite a while,” said Gartside.
Coventry defender Mikkel Bischoff has joined Danish side Brondby on a free transfer after passing a medical.
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