Sunderland seal Cole capture

Former Manchester United forward Andy Cole has signed a one-year deal with Sunderland after passing a medical with the Premier League club.

The ex-England striker, 35, was a free agent after leaving Portsmouth earlier this summer, but is unlikely to feature at the weekend as he is not match fit.

Manager Roy Keane played with Cole during his time with United.

"He has had a fair few clubs, but I have played with Andy and I know he likes to win," said Keane.

News conference: Sunderland boss Roy Keane

"He is someone I have always got on all right with - it might be different now I am a manager, that might change.

"But a player with Andy's history - you look at his goals record and his experience, and he is someone we had to consider.

"He will be here to help some of our other strikers. People might say Andy is not a great talker and a big talker, but his actions and what he does on the training pitch, his movement will be important.

"He is quite happy to disagree with people and I don't mind that. But his experience will be vital."

Cole was at Manchester United for nearly seven years after successful spells with Bristol City and Newcastle.

After leaving Old Trafford in December 2001 he joined Blackburn in an �8m deal before spells with Fulham, Manchester City and Pompey.

But he started just five league games for the Fratton Park club and was loaned out to Birmingham at the end of last season.

And, upon joining the Black Cats, he said: "I'm very excited to be here.

"It is another challenge and hopefully I can use my experience to help the young players at the club. I had a few options and I just thought this is a good one.

"I want to get a good week or 10 days' training under my belt and go from there."

He is the second highest scorer behind Alan Shearer in the history of the Premier League.

Sunderland turned their attentions to the forward after missing out on Mido, who joined local rivals Middlesbrough.

Source: BBC Sport