Former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has been appointed as the new manager of AEK Athens.

The Uruguayan departed the Stadium of Light in March following a barren run of form which left the Black Cats one point above the drop zone.

Poyet was thought to be in the running to take over at managerless Aston Villa, but he has now made the decision to agree terms with Greek Super League outfit AEK.

"AEK FC announces the agreement with the Uruguayan manager Gustavo Poyet until the summer 2016," a statement on the club's official website read. "The new manager will sign his contract tomorrow."

While the initial deal only runs until the end of the season, there is an option in place to extend the contract by a further two years.

AEK Athens are currently fourth in the table, eight points adrift of leaders Olympiacos after seven games.