FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder Bolo Zenden has completed a move to Sunderland until the end of the season - and he can face old club Liverpool on Saturday.

Zenden, who turned down a two-year deal to stay with Marseille in the summer, has returned to the North-East and he has received international clearance this afternoon which enables him to face the Reds.

The 33-year-old and the Black Cats have also come to an agreement over an option of a further season if that suits both parties come May.

Zenden has impressed during a two-week trial on Wearside, where he scored a hat-trick in a training ground match on Monday.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said: "We are delighted to be able to add a player of Bolo’s quality to the squad.

"He has performed at the highest level year after year and he’s done extremely well during his time training with the club.

"Bolo brings international class, a steadying influence and a wide breadth of experience.”

Zenden is viewed primarily as competition for Lorik Cana, Lee Cattermole and Jordan Henderson in the middle. He can also play left-wing or left-back.

He was capped 54 times by Holland, where he began his career with PSV Eindhoven before joining Spanish giants Barcelona in 1998.

He has also played for Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool and played in the Champions League under Rafael Benitez.