Sunderland have completed the signings of Basel midfielder Adilson Tavares Varela (centre), known as Cabral, Lazio defender Modibo Diakite (left), and Maritimo defender Valentin Roberge (right) all on a free transfer – and the aforementioned trio have signed three-year deals with the North-East side.

Cabral, a long serving Basel player, made 153 appearances for the Swiss side. The 24-year old defensive midfielder spent six years with FC Basel.

Diakite made 89 appearances for Italian side Lazio in seven years. He also played alongside Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio during his time with Lazio.

Roberge made 97 appearances for Portuguese side Maritimo in three years.

Di Canio has released two centrebacks Matthew Kilgallon and Titus Bramble from the club, and has been since looking for replacements. Diakite will bring a wealth of experience playing at the top level for a side with such prestige and history. Sunderland will be hoping to avoid another relegation dogfight for the 2013/14 Premier League campaign.

Signing the above trio on a free transfer could prove to be a shrewd move in the market by Di Canio – who has reiterated his desire to reshape the club from top to bottom.

The European transfer window officially opens today, and pre-season starts within the coming days for most Premier League sides.