Jermain Defoe joins Sunderland: Striker joins on three-and-a-half year deal in swap with Jozy Altidore and is eligible to face Tottenham

Striker scored 120 goals during spells with West Ham United, Portsmouth and Spurs in the Premier League

Jermain Defoe poses in his new Sunderland shirt today

(twitter.com/SunderlandAFC)

Jermain Defoe has joined Sunderland from Toronto FC on a three-and-a-half year contract. The move sees Jozy Altidore move back to the MLS, signing for the Canadians as part of the deal.

The 32-year-old recorded 124 Premier League goals during spells with West Ham United, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur.

Defoe is eligible to make his debut against former club Spurs on Saturday. He has, remember, scored on all five of his club debuts.

"It is a great club and I've always enjoyed coming up here and playing against Sunderland because of the stadium and the supporters," he said today. "It is a great place to play and I’m really looking forward to it."

The Blacks Cats head coach, Gus Poyet, who played alongside Defoe at Spurs, added:

"I am thrilled that Jermain is a Sunderland player.

"I know all about his attributes and his qualities first-hand and his exceptional goal-scoring record speaks for itself. He has something different, something special.

"We know each other very well - he was very young when we played together and I was coming to the end of my career, so I know him from inside the pitch.

Defoe has joined Sunderland on a three-and-a-half year deal

(Twitter/@SunderlandAFC)

"When I returned to Spurs as a coach it was a great experience for me to work with him, so I am really looking forward to having him as my player now and for him to be part of our team.

"I would also like to thank Jozy as his begins his career at his new club. It is a fresh start for him and we wish him well."