Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda is set to walk into Sunderland as the club's highest paid player.
The contract convinced Chimbonda, 29, to snub Everton and Newcastle - who were also trying to land his signature.
Chimbonda fell out with Spurs boss Juande Ramos after a public tantrum when he was subbed during the Carling Cup final against Chelsea.
Finnish midfielder Teemu Tainio, 28, is likely to join him for a Wearside medical.