Yorke made his name with Aston Villa before joining Man Utd in 1998

Yorke, 34, has agreed a two-year deal with the Black Cats to become manager Roy Keane's first signing.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has scored 189 goals with five clubs and 15 goals for the national team.

Yorke had a spell with Birmingham before captaining Sydney to the inaugural A-League title this year and played at the World Cup.

Sydney manager and former England captain Terry Butcher was keen to keep hold of the player who made his name with Aston Villa before earning a �12.6m move to Old Trafford.

He has great respect amongst the players and coaching staff and he will be missed Sydney boss Terry Butcher

But ex-Sunderland boss Butcher admitted Yorke was still keen to prove he could do it "on the biggest stage".

He told the club's website: "It's sad to see Dwight leave. He is a great player and a tremendous personality to have in the team and he has worked very hard since I came to Sydney to be in shape to play.

"He has great respect amongst the players and coaching staff and he will be missed."

Yorke did not travel with his team-mates to Melbourne on Thursday and remained in Sydney in case he was needed for a medical or to sign relevant paperwork.

Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno added: "Dwight Yorke has made an unbelievable contribution to Sydney FC and Australian football and we wish him nothing but luck in his new endeavours with Sunderland."