Paolo Di Canio started the moulding of his Sunderland side for next season, by capturing three players on free transfers.
Sunderland confirmed the signings of Cabral, Modibo Diakite and Valentin Roberge as the English Premier League side look to get away from the disappointment of last season, where they only survived relegation by the skin of their teeth.
All three players will officially join the club once their contracts end at the end of the month. Cabral joins from Swiss side FC Basel, while Roberge will now ply his trade in the Premier League after agreeing a move from Portuguese club Maritimo.
Diakite is the biggest of the three signings, with the Lazio defender also reportedly interesting the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United at one point.
The three players were recommended by Sunderland's new player recruitment personnel. The Black Cats announced the appointment of Roberto De Fanti as their director of football while Valentino Angeloni was named the chief scout.
"Sunderland AFC has begun the process of restructuring its player recruitment operation, with the appointment of a director of football and new chief scout," the club said in a statement.
"Roberto De Fanti joins the club in the newly-created director of football role and chief scout Valentino Angeloni is welcomed to the Black Cats from Italian giants Inter Milan."
Sunderland CEO Margaret Byrne was hopeful the wealth of experience brought by the duo will help the Black Cats take a step up in the Premier League.
"Roberto and Valentino bring with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and football contacts from across Europe and indeed the world and we are delighted to welcome them to Sunderland," Byrne said.
"The recruitment of players is of course key for any football club and Roberto and Valentino will work closely with the Head Coach and the Board to identify targets as we look to strengthen our squad for next season and beyond.
"I would also like to extend our thanks to the President of Inter Milan, Massimo Moratti, who graciously agreed to allow Valentino to make the move to Sunderland."
