Despite Pompey not having a bid accepted for the French centre-back, they have still managed to turn the player's head sufficiently to get him to turn down Sunderland.

Black Cats' boss Keane said on Monday night that his club was the only one to agree a fee with Spurs for Kaboul, despite Pompey manager Harry Redknapp stating openly that he expected to win the race for the 22-year-old.

After Keane set a 24-hour deadline to hear a verdict from Kaboul and his Spurs clubmate Steed Malbranque, the centre-back's agent said today it wasn't good news for Sunderland.

"He wants to go to Portsmouth – he would prefer to go there," said agent Rudy Raba.

"Sunderland wanted to know within 24 hours but, while he is thankful to Roy Keane for his interest, the boy has decided he does not want to go there."

Interestingly, yesterday Redknapp appeared to concede he was behind in the race.He told Portsmouth's evening paper, The News: "I still want to bring in Kaboul but he has spoken with Sunderland.

"I know Aston Villa also want him.

"I went to see him last year before he joined Spurs, and drank Moroccan tea with his parents.

"But Roy Keane has met with him now, too.

"I'd say we are third now behind the other two teams."

While Kaboul's agent appears to have ended this particular saga, it remains to be seen what progress Sunderland have managed to make with the pursuit of Malbranque.

Of the four players Sunderland agreed fees for with Spurs, he is the one who most excites their fans.

His negotiations have been very discreet in comparison with those involving Kaboul and Keane may have more to say on the issue after tonight's visit to Nottingham Forest.

West Ham's Luis Boa Morte was the latest name to be thrown into the rumour mill over the last 24 hours and Keane was in mischievous mood when asked of any interest in Reading pair Kevin Doyle and Stephen Hunt.

He said: "Not tonight. But tomorrow might be different."