SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of Swedish striker Ola Toivonen on a season-long loan from French side Rennes.

The forward, who can also play in an attacking midfield role, previously played under Black Cats head coach Dick Advocaat at PSV Eindhoven.

He had been close to joining PAOK earlier this week, but Sunderland moved quickly to firm up their interest when talks with the Greek side broke down.

"I worked with Ola at PSV so I know him well," said Advocaat. "He is a national team player with a lot of experience, an attacking midfielder who can score goals and is good in the air - he will bring something different to the team.”

Toivonen, who stands at six foot two, has scored nine goals in 43 full international appearances for Sweden. He began his career with Swedish side Degerfos before moving to Gothenburg, Malmo and PSV, where he won the Dutch Cup and Super Cup.

He is available for tomorrow's Premier League game at Villa Park, but a lack of training time with the rest of the Sunderland squad means he is likely to be on the bench.