Former Sunderland star Julio Arca has joined Northern League side South Shields.
The Evening Chronicle says the 34-year-old has agreed a deal to join South Shields, who stand second in Northern League Division Two – the 10th tier of English football.
The Mariners were this summer taken over by local businessman Geoff Thompson, who restored the club to Filtrona – now Mariners – Park following a spell playing in Peterlee.
They have started the season with five wins, one draw and a defeat, and entertain Easington Colliery on Saturday, when Arca is expected to be among the crowd.
“I want to bring some excitement to the club," he said.