The Tottenham defender held talks with manager Roy Keane on Saturday despite his agent Rudy Raba earlier insisting he would not sign for the Black Cats.

However, Raba today confirmed that Kaboul, who has also been linked with Portsmouth, was impressed with what Keane had to say and is now considering his options.

He said: "Younes was very impressed with Roy Keane when he met him, especially with his vision for Sunderland Football Club.

"He was also very impressed with the city, stadium and facilities which, to be fair, are second to none.

"Younes also appreciated the fact that Roy and Sunderland have given him a couple of days to make a decision. I now expect him to make up his mind in the next 24 hours."

A positive decision would represent a major change of heart for the Morocco-born player and a triumph for Keane, who is still awaiting his first summer arrival.

But today it emerged Aston Villa could set to land Kaboul, if Portsmouth Harry Redknapp is to be believed.

Redknapp has admitted defeat in his own bid to sign Kaboul.

He said: "Kaboul wants to come here but I heard he is going to Villa. I don't think there is anything he (chief executive Peter Storrie) can do about it.

"If Villa are in for him he may have to go there. We made an offer with what we thought was a fair valuation."