Jermain Defoe has revealed he had a large part to play in former Tottenham and Portsmouth team-mate Younes Kaboul joining him at Sunderland this week.

The central defender became Dick Advocaat’s fourth summer signing at the Stadium of Light and Black Cats forward Defoe says he spoke with both parties in a bid to bring the 29-year-old central defender to the north east.

“Dick Advocaat asked me what I thought of him and I told him if you can get him he’ll be a top signing,” Defoe said.

“He’s a top player and a top professional. He was Spurs captain and he is a leader on the pitch.”

Kaboul had fallen out of favour with Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino last season, failing to start a Premier League game from November onwards.

However, Defoe, who said Kaboul contacted him before signing for Sunderland, feels he can play a big role at the Stadium of Light.

“Physically he’s so strong, I think he’s a player who has got everything and I think he’ll do really well at Sunderland,” he added.

“Younes is a winner and a natural leader on the pitch and he’ll come to the club and bring that attitude – he’s a great signing for us.”

Advocaat led Sunderland to safety last season after taking over from Gus Poyet in March.

The veteran Dutchman initially declined the club’s offer of a permanent post before signing a new one-year deal.

Sunderland are 4.00 to win their season-opening trip to Leicester on August 8, while Advocaat’s men are 2.50 to finish about arch-rivals Newcastle next season.