The 26-year-old Israel international completed his switch to the Stadium of Light tonight, just hours after Ricky Sbragia's side drew 1-1 in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle.

Ben Haim, who started his career in England at Sbragia's former club Bolton before moving to Chelsea in July 2007 on a free transfer after rejecting the chance to join Sam Allardyce at Newcastle, has been drafted in to bolster the club's defensive resources.

Sbragia told Sunderland's official website, www.safc.com: "It's a position we have been short in so I'm delighted that Tal has joined us.

"I know all about him from his days at Bolton. He's got a lot of top-flight experience and he will be a great addition to our squad."