Black Cats to compete in Ajax cup

Ajax have hosted the tournament since 1999

Sunderland have been invited to compete in the 2009 Amsterdam Tournament hosted by Dutch Eredivisie side Ajax in July.

Also guests of the giants are Atletico Madrid, who finished fourth in Spain's La Liga, and Benfica, who finished third in the Portuguese Liga.

Ajax were friendly opponents of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last August, and were also the side chosen to open the stadium in 1997.

The event takes place at the Amsterdam Arena between 24-26 July.

In its present format, the tournament has been in motion for the last 10 years.

Clubs who have previously taken part include Arsenal, AC Milan, River Plate, Barcelona, Galatasaray, Manchester United, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Valencia.