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          Sunderland complete signing of Toronto striker Jermain Defoe

          • ESPN staffJan 16, 2015, 08:08 AM ET

          Sunderland have completed the signing of Jermain Defoe from MLS side Toronto FC on a three-and-a-half year deal.

          Defoe has scored over 200 goals in England during spells with West Ham United, Portsmouth and Tottenham, and netted 11 times in 16 games since joining the Canadian side at the start of 2014.

          The move also sees Jozy Altidore join Toronto.

          Speaking about his return to English football, Defoe told the Sunderland website: "I am delighted to be here and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

          "It is a great club and I've always enjoyed coming up here and playing against Sunderland because of the stadium and the supporters. It is a great place to play and I'm really looking forward to it."

          Head coach Gus Poyet added: "I am thrilled that Jermain is a Sunderland player. I know all about his attributes and his qualities first-hand and his exceptional goal-scoring record speaks for itself. He has something different, something special.

          "We know each other very well -- he was very young when we played together and I was coming to the end of my career, so I know him from inside the pitch.

          "When I returned to Spurs as a coach it was a great experience for me to work with him, so I am really looking forward to having him as my player now and for him to be part of our team.

          "I would also like to thank Jozy as his begins his career at his new club. It is a fresh start for him and we wish him well."

          Sunderland's sporting director Lee Congerton said: "Jermain is a player who has proven his quality in the Premier League. Naturally, with a player of his calibre, there was a lot of interest in him, not only in England but across Europe, so we are delighted that he has chosen to come to Sunderland."

          Sunderland have said Defoe could make his debut against Spurs on Saturday.