Spurs swoop for Chelsea keeper Cudicini

(CNN) -- Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has joined Tottenham from London rivals Chelsea on a free transfer and could make his debut in Tuesday's relegation battle against Stoke City.

Carlo Cudicini plans to relaunch his Premier League career at Spurs after a spell in the Chelsea shadows.

The 35-year-old could start the White Hart Lane clash because first-choice keeper Heurelho Gomes has been struggling with a thigh strain that has restricted his goalkicking.

But defender Pascal Chimbonda, who rejoined Spurs on Monday from Sunderland, was not registered in time to face Stoke as manager Harry Redknapp stepped up his team strengthening ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.

Cudicini also played for AC Milan and Lazio and is sure to push Brazilian Gomes who has recovered confidence after several early-season lapses in concentration.

"We're well pleased to have him," Redknapp said. "He gives us great experience. We're in a position where Gomes is still carrying an injury and can't kick, which is a big problem for a keeper."

Cudicini, who spent 10 years at Stamford Bridge, said of his switch to Spurs: "At this moment the team is not in the best position but it doesn't matter -- I'm here to bring some experience and try to push this club forward."

"No-one expected Tottenham to be in this situation. I think the team has the quality and the character to come out of this situation.

"It's five months until the end of the season and we have to fight in every game to get out of this situation as soon as possible. I hope I bring some points."

Redknapp's Chelsea counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "I am pleased for Carlo that with this move he will now have more opportunities to play more games as he is a fantastic goalkeeper."

French fullback Chimbonda will be available to play at Bolton on Saturday following Jermain Defoe as the second player to rejoin the club this month.

Redknapp also commented on a third ex-Spurs man, Robbie Keane, who was left out of Liverpool's squad for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Everton.

"I wouldn't sit here and say I wouldn't like to have Robbie Keane at my football club, I'd be a liar, but he belongs to Liverpool so it is not an option unfortunately," Redknapp said.

"As a player and a person I have a lot of time for Robbie Keane. I think he's fantastic."

Trinidad and Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones, Tottenham's first-choice target, ended speculation about his future on Tuesday by signing a new four-and-a-half year deal at Sunderland.

Manager Ricky Sbragia told the Sunderland Web site: "I'm absolutely delighted that Kenwyne has committed to the club for the long term.

"He's young with a great future ahead of him and has already proven himself to be a key player for us.

"The fact that we've had interest from top clubs shows how much of an asset he is and it's fantastic that he will be a Sunderland player for many years to come."

Redknapp's former club Portsmouth have snapped up midfielder Hayden Mullins from West Ham following an FA Cup exit against Swansea and slump in Premier League form.

Football Fanzone

Football fans, the chance to have YOUR say on CNN is here!

New manager Tony Adams has also picked up Portuguese Under-21 international Pele, who has agreed a six-month loan deal after falling out of favour at FC Porto.

Pele joined the Portuguese giants in the summer after just one season at Inter Milan, where he made 15 appearances.

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Germany Under-20 forward Savio Nsereko from Brescia.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Uganda, stamped a four-and-a-half year deal with the Hammers after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Nsereko passed a medical on Monday and, subject to international clearance, will make his debut in the Premier League clash at home to Hull on Wednesday.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is convinced Hugo Rodallega will be "a big player" for the club after finally completing a £4.5million move for the Colombia striker.

Rodallega was granted a work permit last week and, after flying in on Thursday, has passed a medical and agreed personal terms on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The transfer is subject to international clearance, but that should be a formality as Rodallega has scored six goals in 21 appearances for his country.

Getafe's Argentine international keeper Roberto "Pato" Abbondanzieri, 36, has signed a two-year contract with former club Boca Juniors, the Spanish Primera Liga club confirmed on Monday

ncG1vNJzZmidlJ7BqrvNZ5qnpl6YvK57kWlncmeDhZyToI6fpqiskpa5rXuPamZrbl%2Bau6i4wKebZ6yilru0ssSrqmihnpmyuXrHraSl