Chairman speaks out

There has been substantial speculation in respect of the futures of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane, including press comment from both Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez. In response our Chairman, Daniel Levy has made the following statement:

"Today's public comments by Manchester United's manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players. It is also probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date and is unbelievably hypocritical given his recent comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.

"This comes after a series of events, dating back to last summer, which have shown Manchester United to be in breach of Premier League (PL) rules. As a result, we have today made an official complaint to the PL about the conduct of Manchester United. Benitez made similar comments in respect of Robbie recently and we made an official complaint to the PL about the conduct of Liverpool earlier this week.

"The behaviour of both clubs has been disgraceful. We told both clubs very early on that we had no interest in selling Robbie or Dimitar, respectively, and that they should refrain from pursuing the player. Both clubs arrogantly chose to ignore this request and we now have evidence that both clubs have systematically been working to prise the players away from us, outside of PL rules of conduct.

"Our subsequent position has been severely compromised by both clubs making their intentions widely known and indeed making contact with the players and their agents, without the Club's permission.

"I have absolutely no wish to sell either player and to date we have not accepted any offer for either. However, when a player's head is turned and their commitment is absent, particularly when they occupy key positions such as that of striker, they become a negative influence in a team dressing room in which they were once a positive addition and influence. This is the situation we now have on our hands, with both Dimitar and Robbie having made it clear that they wish to leave for Manchester Utd and Liverpool respectively.

"Irrespective of the outcome and futures of Robbie and Dimitar, we are continuing to seek to bring in quality, talented players for the future, who want to play in a Spurs shirt."

Chimbonda signs up for Sunderland

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has continued to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season by signing defender Pascal Chimbonda from Spurs.

The 29-year-old French full-back has agreed a three-year contract after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee. "He has a lot of Premier League experience which can only be a plus for us," said a delighted Keane. "He'll give us more options at the back, creating more competition for places. It's a fantastic signing."

Chimbonda is the second Spurs player to move to Wearside following Teemu Tainio's switch three days ago. Keane is also thought to be interested in Younes Kaboul and Steed Malbranque.

Chimbonda began his Premier League career with Wigan before joining Tottenham in a £4.5m deal in August 2006. However, he incurred the wrath of many Spurs fans when he reacted angrily to being substituted during the club's Carling Cup final win over Chelsea. The Frenchman walked straight down the tunnel at Wembley, without acknowledging manager Juande Ramos or his replacement.

Chimbonda also caused controversy at his previous club Wigan when he handed in a transfer request in the dressing room after the Latics' final game of the season. He has been capped once by France, in 2006.