Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar has joined Sunderland on a free transfer, days after being released by fellow Premier League team Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old Cuellar signed a two-year deal.

He will be reunited with Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill, who signed the defender for STG7.8 million ($A12.02 million) in 2008 when in charge of Villa.

Cuellar, who previously played for Osasuna in Spain and Scottish team Rangers, played 94 times for Villa but wasn’t a regular in the starting side last season.

He can play at right-back or at centre-back.