JERMAIN DEFOE has expressed his delight at Sunderland's £3m signing of Younes Kaboul, claiming the club have recruited a "natural leader".

Defoe will link up with Kaboul for the third time in his career when the centre-half flies out to the United States to join up with Sunderland's pre-season tour, having previously played with the Frenchman at Tottenham and Portsmouth.

And with Sunderland having turned to Kaboul after another target, Nicolas Lombaerts, failed a medical, Defoe is confident the 29-year-old will make a major impression.

The Black Cats striker said: "Younes is a winner and a natural leader on the pitch and he’ll come to the club and bring that attitude – he’s a great signing for us.

"Even in training he was always going for it - running, tackling, heading, attacking. Fans will love what he’ll bring to the team."

Dick Advocaat canvassed Defoe's opinion before pushing through yesterday's deal, and the England international's reponse could hardly have been more positive.

He said: "Dick Advocaat asked me what I thought of him, and I told him if you can get him, he’ll be a top signing.

"He’s a great guy. Obviously I played with him at Tottenham for a few years and then again at Portsmouth. He’s a top player and a top professional.

"Younes messaged me about the move and he’s looking forward to linking up with the squad. He was Spurs captain, and he is a leader on the pitch. Physically, he’s so strong, and I think he’s a player who has got everything. I think he’ll do really well at Sunderland."