Healy, 29, has moved to the Stadium of Light on a three-year deal and becomes manager Roy Keane's sixth major signing of the summer following the arrivals of Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda, Steed Malbranque, El-Hadji Diouf and Cisse, who has joined the north-east club with a view to a permanent deal.

The Northern Ireland international will be looking to kick-start his career after scoring just four Premier League goals in one season at Craven Cottage following his £1.5million move from Leeds.

Manager Roy Keane underlined Healy's top-level experience and international scoring record as one of the main reasons behind the striker's arrival in the north-east.

Keane told the club's website: "David will be a good signing for us.

"He has lots of experience at the top level and his international record is phenomenal."

Keane continued: "He scored a few goals for Fulham last season, one of them was a well-taken strike against us at Craven Cottage and he is another signing who will increase competition for places."

Healy began his career at Manchester United alongside Keane but moved to Preston in 2001 following a successful loan spell.

He then moved on to Leeds in 2004 before his £1.5million switch to the Cottagers last summer.

While his league scoring record over the last couple of seasons has been fitful, the Downpatrick forward has found great success at international level with 34 goals in 64 games for Northern Ireland.

Healy was also the leading scorer in qualification for Euro 2008 and appeared last night in the 0-0 friendly with Scotland - although he missed a penalty which would have earned victory for his side.

Healy revealed he was looking forward to being reunited with Keane.

He explained: "I know Roy Keane from my Manchester United days and it's a privilege to join him at Sunderland.

"I'm well aware of the passion of the Sunderland fans, having played at the Stadium of Light a few times, and I can't wait to get going. It's an exciting time for me."

Keane also underlined the importance of Cisse's experience as the Black Cats look to improve on their efforts last season when they finished 15th following their return to the top flight.

He continued: "The signing of Djibril shows how far this club have moved on since the end of last season.

"His experience will bring a lot to the squad and he will hopefully add some goals to the side.

"He is known for scoring them as well as creating them."

Cisse spent two years at Anfield during which he scored 24 goals for the Reds following his £14million switch from Auxerre where he played alongside fellow new Sunderland recruit Tainio.

He then moved on to Marseille, initially on loan before making the move permanent in 2007 but he claimed he was tempted to return to England by the Black Cats' ambition.

"I'm really pleased to join a good club with good players.

"Sunderland are a club I think is going to achieve things, they have big ambitions, that is why I chose to come here.

"I liked what the club had to say to me."