Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has admitted that he is hopeful new signing Younes Kaboul can provide his side with some additional experience next season.
The 29-year-old joins the Black Cats from Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £3m.
Kaboul has spent eight years in English football at Spurs and Portsmouth, while also tasting success during his time in France with Auxerre.
Advocaat believes that the Frenchman will add some valuable depth to his squad, which had earlier been depleted by the departure of Santiago Vergini.
"He is a very experienced player, which is what we need," he told the club's official website. "He has shown that in his time at Spurs and he will be a very good addition to our squad."
Kaboul becomes Sunderland's fourth signing of the transfer window, following in the steps of Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews and Jeremain Lens.