SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of George McCartney from West Ham for a fee in the region of £5.5million.
The Northern Irishman has signed a five-year contract and his move back to the Stadium of Light sees the Hammers make a big cash return on a player they signed from the Black Cats in a reported £1million move in 2006. He will replace Danny Higginbotham in Sunderland's squad.
After short negotiations at his former club, Stoke City, Higginbotham has signed a three-year deal at the Britannia Stadium.
Sunderland have recouped £2m from the £3m they paid out for him 12 months ago, although that has gone immediately towards the purchase of McCartney.
McCartney was on Wearside today finalising the finer points of his contract and undergoing a medical.
And, after successful talks and tests, the 27-year-old will be confirmed as Sunderland's only signing on deadline day before the midnight cut off point.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here