Sunderland to decide on Emmanuel Eboue next week

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that he will make a final decision on whether or not to sign Emmanuel Eboue next week.

The former Arsenal defender, who has been without a club since he was released by Galatasaray last summer, has spent the last few days undergoing a series of fitness sessions with the Black Cats.

He remained at the club's base on Wearside while the rest of the first team headed to Dubai for some warm-weather training.

Speaking about the 32-year-old, Allardyce hinted that if Eboue can prove his fitness, he will look to offer him a deal until the end of the season.

"By next week, we'll take a view. It was about getting him fit, having not played for so long," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"We didn't take him to Dubai with us because he could do more morning and afternoon sessions here with the fitness coaches. The lads in Dubai were just doing morning sessions and then having some time to themselves.

"We'll play him in a game behind closed doors next week and make a decision from there. But if he's fit enough, he's going to be good enough."

Eboue, 32, made over 200 appearances during his six-year stint with the Gunners.