Goalkeeper Jason Steele has put pen to paper on a four-year deal to become Sunderland's sixth summer signing.
The 26-year-old joins from Blackburn Rovers after making over 100 appearances at Ewood Park during a three-year spell.
Speaking about his new club, Jason said: “I’m absolutely over the moon. It’s a dream come true to sign for such a massive club. My family are pretty much split between the three north east clubs, so I spent my childhood watching them all and I remember coming to the Stadium of Light with my uncle and cousin.
"I’ve got a lot of experience and played a lot of games – most of which are in the same league – and that’s probably one of the reasons why the gaffer has signed me. Hopefully I can help the team and I’m sure we’ll have a good season. I want just want to work hard, try my best and help the team push on.”
The stopper started his career in the north east with Middlesbrough, progressing through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in a 2-1 League Cup win over Chesterfield. At the age of just 20 he became Boro’s number one and in 2013 he was named the North East Sports Writers’ Young Player of the Year.
His performances yielded further individual honours during his time at the Riverside, as he was named as the club’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year for the 2012-13 campaign.
Steele has also featured on the international stage, turning out for England at under-16, 17, 19 and 21 level, while also representing Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.