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It's not exactly news that Sunderland have signed the trio of Modibo Diakite, Valentin Robege and Cabral on bosman transfers. Everything was agreed about a month ago for all three, as keen readers of this site will have noticed.
However the length of each contract has been agreed, with all three of them signing three-year contracts taking them through to the summer of 2016, putting a great deal of faith in them all being starting calibre players for a few years to come.
Diakite arrives from Lazio in Serie A, and will be looking to fight it out with Roberge for a central defensive role alongside John O'Shea.
Diakite made 82 appearances for Lazio since joining from Pescara in 2006, scoring 2 goals.
You can find out more about him in our Scout's Notebook, HERE.
Roberge is a 25-year old French defender who arrives from Portuguese side Maritimo having also had spells in Greece and his homeland.
You can read more about Roberge in our Scout's Notebook, HERE.
Finally Cabral might be the most familiar name to Sunderland fans, having featured in last season's Champions League for FC Basel. The Cape Verde born, Swiss youth international is 24-years old and a defensive midfielder.
You can read more about Cabral and his ability in our Scout's Notebook, HERE.