Bassila joins Sunderland

Sunderland have signed former Strasbourg midfielder Christian Bassila on a two-year contract.

The 27-year-old former West Ham player had been due on Wearside on Sunday evening after cancelling his contract with the French club.

He delayed his arrival following interest from Auxerre but has now decided to join the Black Cats.

The 6ft 4ins midfielder, who spent a few days with the club earlier this month, will train with the Black Cats tomorrow ahead of their game at Wigan.

He could go straight into Mick McCarthy’s squad for Saturday’s match at the JJB Stadium.

“He trained with us and impressed,” McCarthy told www.safc.com.

“He’s a defensive midfielder who can play in the back four as well. He plays it simple, handles the ball well and breaks things up. He’s a big, powerful midfielder.”

Bassila, who made three appearances on loan for West Ham five years ago, is Sunderland’s 11th summer signing.

They have lost their opening three games since winning promotion back to the Premiership.