Charles N'Zogbia has started training with Sunderland in a bid to revitalise his flailing career.

The 29-year-old French winger departed Aston Villa at the end of last season, finishing a mediocre five-year spell at Villa Park.

Reports suggest that N'Zogbia is improving his fitness with the Black Cats as he strives to impress manager Sam Alalrdyce during pre-season training.

N'Zogbia and Allardyce worked together at Newcastle United in 2007/08 and the former Wigan Athletic is hoping he can once again team up with 'Big Sam' in the north east after seeing this career stall badly in the West Midlands.