The Black Cats' manager has already taken Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio from White Hart Lane on permanent deals in the last few days but has been unable to pin down his other two targets.

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Though he was happy to give centre-back Kaboul and midfielder Malbranque time to make the decision on whether or not to come to the Stadium of Light, Keane says the time is fast approaching for answers to be demanded.

Speaking after his side's 4-0 pre-season win over Cobh Ramblers in Cork last night, he said he did not want the saga to drag on in the same manner as his pursuit last summer of striker David Nugent.

Keane said: "I would expect news on the other two Tottenham lads in the next 24 hours – whether they are coming or not.

"We are very hopeful, but I appreciate that it is a big decision for them.

"I was delighted with the four players I have spoken to from Tottenham; we've managed to get two of them sorted out and we're hoping to do the same with the other two.

"I had a similar situation last summer with David Nugent. I waited five weeks for him but I won't be waiting for five weeks for anyone this year. We've got other targets too and I think there will be plenty of activity over the next four or five weeks."

Keane does not want anyone rushing into a decision they might regret, however. "I've no problem with players taking their time," he said. "But there comes a time where they have to make a decision and I think that time is going to come over the next 24 hours.

"If they come then fantastic, we'll be delighted. But if not, life goes on."

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp said at the weekend that Kaboul had chosen Pompey ahead of Sunderland.

But Keane insisted: "Other clubs may have made contact but I know for a fact we are the only club to have agreed fees with Tottenham because they have kept us updated with what is going on.

"So it is very strange to find out that other managers are speaking to these players. As far as I understand it, you only speak to a player when you've agreed a fee with his club and been given permission to speak to him.

"Maybe I'm very innocent, but I also know how the game works, unfortunately."

Redknapp has backtracked on his previous comments, saying: "I still want to bring in Kaboul but he has spoken with Sunderland. I know Aston Villa also want him but Roy Keane has met him now too. I'd say we are third now behind the other two teams."