Roy Keane, the Sunderland manager, has sealed the loan signing from Manchester United of Jonny Evans, the centre-back arrested following an alleged rape at the Old Trafford players' Christmas party.

Evans, who spent six months on loan at Sunderland last season, trained there yesterday after Sir Alex Ferguson agreed to allow the Northern Ireland international to return. He will join the squad to face Wigan in the FA Cup third round today as another former United player, Danny Higginbotham, has a broken toe.

Keane spoke yesterday of the 20-year-old's "excellent" character, and described his persistence in signing him. "After we played United [on Boxing Day], I spoke with the manager after the game and sometimes by a manager's tone, you think you have a chance," he said.

"He was obviously in a good mood - they had beaten us 4-0 and we were throwing the wine down him, and that helps. We are learning fast. I followed that up during the week. I think it is a good move for everybody involved."

Rangers' manager, Walter Smith, has expressed delight that Alan Hutton has rejected an £8m move to Tottenham. The clubs agreed a deal for the full-back but he is unwilling to leave six months into a five...#8209;year, £11,000-a-week contract.

"I'm delighted that he has [turned them down] because from a purely footballing perspective he has been a significant player for us this season," said Smith. "I'm also pleasantly surprised.

"He explained to me that he is really enjoying his football, that he wanted to stay and continue to enjoy it and hopefully win things here." Hutton, 23, would have doubled his wages by moving south but has opted to bide his time in Glasgow, with his partner also due to give birth to the couple's second child. Rangers expect no further bid from Spurs for the player.

Hossam Ghaly is expected to leave Tottenham this month and could be loaned to Derby County. "Derby opened talks with me five days ago," he said.

Celtic have confirmed the signing of the German defender Andreas Hinkel from Sevilla.