Sunderland have signed French defender Younes Kaboul from Tottenham, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Kaboul put pen to paper on a four-year contract with Dick Advocaat's side after the Black Cats agreed a fee reported to be around £3 million ($4.6 million).

"I'm delighted to be a Sunderland player and it's an honour to join this club. I would like to thank (sporting director) Lee Congerton and the head coach for making this move possible, and I can't wait to start playing for the Sunderland supporters," Kaboul said.

Kaboul's positive comments about his move to the Stadium of Light are a stark contrast to the quotes attributed to his agent when he was first linked with a switch to Sunderland way back in 2008.

"Younes would not join Sunderland -- even if there was an earthquake," Rudy Raba said.

"We've much more interesting options. No disrespect, but playing at Sunderland would not help his international career."

Having made a seismic change in his views about Sunderland, Kaboul becomes Advocaat's fourth signing of the transfer window following deals for Sebastian Coates, Adam Matthews and Jeremain Lens.

"He is a very experienced player, which is what we need. He has shown that in his time at Spurs and he will be a very good addition to our squad," Advocaat said.

The 29-year-old centre-back began his career with Auxerre, joined Tottenham in 2007, then moved to Portsmouth before returning to White Hart Lane in 2010.

He felt out of favour with Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino last season and opted to join Sunderland in search of regular first team action.