The 20-year-old joins Paolo Di Canio's side after his contract with French club Le Havre expired last month.

Ba is Sunderland's seventh acquisition of the close-season as Di Canio attempts to boost his squad following a difficult 2012-13 campaign.

The France Under-20 international established himself as a member of the senior squad for Ligue 2 outfit Le Havre last term, scoring two goals in 15 appearances, but was unable to have enough of an impact to help them to promotion.