Former Liverpool player Boudewijn Zenden has joined Premier League side Sunderland until the end of the season.

The club has an option to retain the services of the Dutch international for a further year.

Zenden, who has also played at Barcelona, and Chelsea, has been training with the Black Cats following his release from Marseille. He’s permitted to join the North East outfit outside of the transfer window being a free agent.

Steve Bruce has been looking for cover in midfield after a number of players left in the summer - Dean Whitehead, Grant Leadbitter and Carlos Edwards were sold while Teemu Tainio went to  Birmingham on loan.

Zenden is now waiting for international clearance and could face his old club Liverpool on Saturday.

Speaking about the deal, manager Steve Bruce said:

We are delighted to be able to add a player of Bolo’s quality to the squad.

He has performed at the highest level year after year and he’s done extremely well during his time training with the club.

The move happened fairly quickly. Bolo came in and it was immediately obvious that he is still supremely fit.

Bolo’s performances in training have persuaded me that he has a valuable role to play this season. He brings international class, a steadying influence and a wide breadth of experience.

His career is a testament to his quality and he gives us more depth in central midfield which is a vital position.

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