Football
PA Sport 8y

Emmanuel Eboue set to join Sunderland, Sam Allardyce confirms

Former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue could play a part in Sunderland's relegation fight as he closes in on a short-term contract at the Stadium of Light.

Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce confirmed that he hoped to clinch a deal that will keep the full-back at the club for the rest of the season after a successful trial on Wearside.

Sources told ESPN FC on Wednesday that the 32-year-old Ivory Coast international had agreed a deal.

Allardyce said: "We will try to sign him by the end of the week if we can negotiate a contract until the end of the season.

"It would be wrong of me to turn down a player with such great experience of the Premier League, Champions League, international football, and not to think that he could play a part in our fight against relegation this season.

"He's a terrific guy -- a very, very good talker as well as a good player. Hopefully when the test comes, he is fit enough to cope.

"I think that's probably the only reason you would be concerned: has he still got the capabilities, physically, to cope with the Premier League?

"He has certainly got the experience and the talent, there's no question about that, so we will look forward to him signing on to the end of the season, hopefully."

Eboue, who made 216 senior appearances for the Gunners, is a free agent after being released by Turkish club Galatasaray.

^ Back to Top ^