Bolton sign Thome

Sam Allardyce moved quickly to sign the former Sunderland man, who was without a club after his contract expired at The Black Cats.

Thome becomes the second Brazilian signing of the summer, joining compatriot Mario Jardel in the Bolton squad.

Allardyce had pinpointed a defender as his key remaining signing, and has acquired a player that was bought by Sunderland for £4.5 million in August 2000.

Thome, 31, has agreed a one-year deal, and will hope to shore up a defence that has shipped ten goals in three games.

"It's quite apparent to everybody that the strengthening of our defence is a priority," Allardyce told the club's official website.

"Emerson is an experienced defender with a great record in The Premiership.

"His arrival will add quality to our defence and freshen up the side."