Matthew Piper today left Leicester City to join Sunderland in a £3.5-million deal.
The 20-year-old wide man signed a five-year deal with the north-east club after enjoying a good last season with Leicester, when he made 15 appearances, despite their relegation to Division One .
"I have been monitoring the player since last season," Sunderland boss Peter Reid told the club's website, www.safc.com. "He has great pace to go past players and get crosses in".
Piper, who may place when Sunderland take on Everton on Saturday, said: "I am very happy to be joining Sunderland. I came on as a sub for Leicester last season at the Stadium of Light when Sunderland won the match and the atmosphere was tremendous. It's an exciting move for me".
But Sunderland's hopes of prising Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Ajax look to have faded.
A report in a Swedish newspaper yesterday claimed the two sides had agreed a fee of £6.2 million - but the Amsterdam giants claim they have rejected the bid.
AFP