Boudewijn Zenden is to undergo a two-week trial with Sunderland.

The former Barcelona, Liverpool and Marseille man has been offered the chance to impress on Wearside by Black Cats boss Steve Bruce.

Black Cats manager Steve Bruce confirmed the arrangement on www.safc.com, saying: “Bolo has joined us for a while and will train at the academy for a few weeks as he looks for a new club.

“He clearly has a first-class pedigree as a player so it’s great to have him here.”

Zenden, 33, is a free agent after leaving Marseille at the end of last season. His father and agent, Pierre Zenden, revealed the deal, telling Voetbal International: "Sunderland want to examine over the next two weeks Boudewijn's physical state.

“Boudewijn has, over the past few months, kept himself fit and trained six days a week.

“Sunderland are looking at a short-term way of strengthening their midfield and Boudewijn is a serious candidate.

“Sunderland know what he can do and what he is capable of so he does not have to prove himself.

“But they want to see him in action and submit him to some medical tests.”