French star Louis Saha joins Sunderland

French striker Louis Saha joined Premier League club Sunderland on a free transfer on Thursday.

Saha revealed he was close to joining Martin O'Neill's side early on Thursday when he tweeted that he was in talks with the Black Cats and the 34-year-old's move was confirmed later in the day.

The former Manchester United star, who was released by Tottenham at the end of last season, agreed a one-year contract with Sunderland and could make his debut in their Premier League opener at Arsenal on Saturday.

"Louis is a striker whose abilities have been proven at the very highest level and he brings with him a raft of experience of top-flight football," Black Cats boss O'Neill said.

"I'm sure he will be a great addition to our squad in an area we recognise needs strengthening and I'm delighted we have been able to complete the deal ahead of our first game of the season."

Sunderland will be the sixth English club of Saha's career after previous spells with Newcastle, Fulham, United, Everton and Tottenham.

United paid £12.8 million ($19.5 million) to sign the Paris-born striker from Fulham in January 2004 and he scored 42 goals in 124 games for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, helping them to win the Premier League title in 2007 and 2008 and the Champions League in 2008.

However, he struggled with injuries for much of his four-year stay at Everton and failed to make an impression during a brief spell with Tottenham in the second half of last season.