David Moyes has turned to one of his former Everton players as Sunderland aim to preserve their Premier League status.
Ex-England international Joleon Lescott, 34, has agreed a short-term contract at the Stadium of Light, linking up again with Moyes, as well as fellow former Toffees Victor Anichebe and Steven Pienaar.
The Black Cats are currently bottom of the table, three points behind Swansea in 17th, and are running out of time to escape the drop.
Lescott was a free agent after leaving AEK Athens in November.
Having played for the Toffees, Manchester City, West Brom and Aston Villa in the top flight, he brings experience to Sunderland's back four - but fans are not convinced.