news: Black Cats sign Zenden

Sunderland have completed the signing Dutch international midfielder Boudewijn Zenden on a free transfer after a two week trial on Wearside. The 33-year-old has 'utility man' has agreed a deal until the end of the season with an option for a further year.

Zenden will provide cover in the centre of midfield, as well as on the left and even left back if required.

Zenden was a free agent after leaving French outfit Marseille in the summer and joins Sunderland after impressing during a recent training spell at the Academy of Light.

Sunderland Boss Steve Bruce and Zenden are currently awaiting international clearance for the player, who could be in line for a place in the squad against former club Liverpool this weekend.

The player was permitted to join Sunderland outside the transfer window as he was a free agent when the window closed at the beginning of September.

Zenden, who has been capped 54 times by his country, began his career with PSV Eindhoven before joining Spanish giants Barcelona in 1998.

He then spent five seasons in the English top flight with Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool, playing in the Champions' League Final while with the Anfield outfit.

Zenden spent the last two seasons playing alongside current Sunderland captain Lorik Cana at Marseille before joining his former team-mate on Wearside.