Sunderland have completed the signing of striker Steven Fletcher from Wolves on a four-year deal.
The Black Cats have been chasing Fletcher all summer and finally agreed a fee in the region of £12million for the Scot after seeing several earlier bids rejected.
Fletcher, who had handed in a transfer request at Molineux, has agreed personal terms and finalised his move to the Stadium of Light.
The 25-year-old will go straight into the squad for Saturday's home clash with Reading.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was delighted to bring in the former Burnley man to bolster his attacking options.
"It has been no secret that we needed to strengthen our attacking options and Steven has a proven track record of scoring goals," O'Neill told the club's official website.
"He is young and constantly improving and he will be a very welcome addition to the squad. I'm delighted that we've been able to bring him to Sunderland."
Fletcher is the second high-profile depature from Wolves this week following Matt Jarvis' switch to West Ham.
Fletcher has been O'Neill's top target in his bid to bolster his attack following the departures of Nicklas Bendtner and Asamoah Gyan, with Louis Saha already signed up earlier this month.
The deal was ratified ahead of the midday deadline meaning Fletcher could make his Black Cats debut Saturday.
O'Neill said: "I'm delighted. I've just come from the training ground and I'm delighted it's all gone through.
"I think Steven will be terrific for us. He's underrated, but not by me.
"I think he's capable of scoring goals and linking play which is very important to us and I think now at 25 years of age he's got room to improve and really get better.
"Wolves lost their Premier League status last season but I think he's very good and I think he's improving.
"He hasn't played that much. He had a setback a few weeks ago so in terms of fitness he didn't train with us today but I'll assess him anyway.
"I'm delighted to have him for the next few seasons."
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...ves-on-four-year-deal-undisclosed-fee-042412-
The Black Cats have been chasing Fletcher all summer and finally agreed a fee in the region of £12million for the Scot after seeing several earlier bids rejected.
Fletcher, who had handed in a transfer request at Molineux, has agreed personal terms and finalised his move to the Stadium of Light.
The 25-year-old will go straight into the squad for Saturday's home clash with Reading.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was delighted to bring in the former Burnley man to bolster his attacking options.
"It has been no secret that we needed to strengthen our attacking options and Steven has a proven track record of scoring goals," O'Neill told the club's official website.
"He is young and constantly improving and he will be a very welcome addition to the squad. I'm delighted that we've been able to bring him to Sunderland."
Fletcher is the second high-profile depature from Wolves this week following Matt Jarvis' switch to West Ham.
Fletcher has been O'Neill's top target in his bid to bolster his attack following the departures of Nicklas Bendtner and Asamoah Gyan, with Louis Saha already signed up earlier this month.
The deal was ratified ahead of the midday deadline meaning Fletcher could make his Black Cats debut Saturday.
O'Neill said: "I'm delighted. I've just come from the training ground and I'm delighted it's all gone through.
"I think Steven will be terrific for us. He's underrated, but not by me.
"I think he's capable of scoring goals and linking play which is very important to us and I think now at 25 years of age he's got room to improve and really get better.
"Wolves lost their Premier League status last season but I think he's very good and I think he's improving.
"He hasn't played that much. He had a setback a few weeks ago so in terms of fitness he didn't train with us today but I'll assess him anyway.
"I'm delighted to have him for the next few seasons."
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...ves-on-four-year-deal-undisclosed-fee-042412-
