Harte spent nine seasons at Elland Road

Black Cats boss Roy Keane said: "I played alongside Ian and I know the qualities he can bring to our club."

The 29-year-old, who spent nine years at Leeds before moving to Levante, said: "It's great to be back in the Premier League and I'm raring to go.

"This is a chance for me at a massive club and there are plenty of Irish lads here to make me feel welcome."

606: DEBATE What do you think of the new signing?

Harte trained with Sunderland last week and may now be thrurst into the squad for the reserve team game against local rivals Newcastle on Thursday.

The defender left Leeds for Levante in 2004, but injury problems during that time meant he only made 66 appearances in total and subsequently quit the club by mutual consent in August.

Harte, who was renowned for his expertise from free-kicks, won 64 caps for Ireland and scored 11 times.