Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has revealed that the club had to work hard to ensure that striker Jermain Defoe sealed a transfer to the Stadium of Light.

Defoe has departed Toronto to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Black Cats, and after beating a number of clubs to his signature, Poyet has described the acquisition of Defoe as a "special" signing.

The 47-year-old told reporters: "I am delighted. It wasn't easy because it was hard work. Many, many clubs were trying to get Jermain, and it took a lot of hard work from the club to get him here.

"It's a very, very special signing. I think that it shows that we were waiting for the right time to sign the right player. I said a few weeks ago that I was after quality, not quantity.

"Today is a special moment and it will be fantastic to see him playing for this club."

Poyet has revealed that Defoe will be in the squad to face his former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.