Emmanuel Eboue to Sunderland: Sam Allardyce confirms short-term deal close for former Arsenal defender

The former Arsenal full-back has been in training with the Black Cats for the last month

Emmanuel Eboue (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has revealed Emmanuel Eboue is set to join the North East club on a short-term contract.

The ex-Arsenal full-back has been in training with the Black Cats for the last month after leaving Galatasaray but appears to have done enough to persuade Allardyce he warrants a contract with the club.

Allardyce, the former Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United manager, said: "Possibly by the end of the week it'll be clinched until the end of the season.

"He's a very experienced professional in all aspects of the game at the top level. If he can bring anything with that experience we'll use it if and when we feel necessary.

"I have DeAndre [Yedlin], Billy Jones and [Adam]Matthews, but when you have somebody with the experience, knowledge and ability of Emmanuel Eboue who wants to come and train with you and prove himself, you can't turn that down.

"I think given he has proven his fitness in training in the last two-and-a-half weeks, that might give us something a little better down that side if and when needed."

Sunderland are currently one place above the relegation zone, on goal difference, and are preparing to face Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday.