Zenden confident of joining Sunderland

Zenden joined on a free transfer (GETTY IMAGES)

Boudewijn Zenden is confident he can prove his fitness and sign for Sunderland at the end of next week.

The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract expired at Marseille and has been training with Sunderland for the past week.

Zenden, who lists Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool among his former clubs, has long said he wants to end his career in England and is hopeful of securing a return to the Barclays Premier League.

"It's now a week that I've been training with Sunderland," the former Holland winger told France Football. "And I will continue another week with this team.

"At the moment, the thing is, that there isn't many people because of the international break.

"But that doesn't prevent me from working hard. Moreover, there are still great names here like (Steed) Malbranque, (Darren) Bent and (Kieran) Richardson too."

Zenden added: "I will know if I will sign a contract only towards the end of next week.

"What is certain is that the bosses are interested in me. They only want to see if I am physically fit or not.

"I have not stopped since leaving Marseille. I have worked six times a week since this summer.

"It's a very nice club, well organised, with superb facilities."