And although Darren Bent is not on that list, the Black Cats have not given up hope of bringing the striker in.

Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda, Younes Kaboul and Teemu Tainio are all being allowed to leave White Hart Lane as boss Juande Ramos plans a massive bid for Blackburn Rovers wantaway star David Bentley.

Ramos is also ready to let England keeper Paul Robinson move to Ewood Park as part of the deal.

But Spurs know they will also need to come up with a massive transfer fee to sign the talented midfielder.

Malbranque is the best known and most eye-catching of the Tottenham players linked and his agent confirmed last week that Sunderland had inquired.

All four have now been given permission to talk to Sunderland.

Meanwhile Roy Keane has not given up hope on signing Bent.

But the situation is complicated by the fact that other clubs are circling for Bent's fellow strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane.

And despite West Ham United turning down a £4.5m move for George McCartney, Sunderland have not abandoned their pursuit of their former left-back.