Sunderland sign Cattermole

Lee Cattermole has become Sunderland`s fifth signing of the summer.

Cattermole signed a four year contract to complete a £6m move, which could rise to £8m, joining Fraizer Campbell, Paulo Da Silva, Darren Bent and Lorik Cana at the Stadium of Light, as should partner the latter in the centre of the park for the coming season.

Cattermole joins his former Wigan manager Steve Bruce at Sunderland, and the new gaffer is delighted to have completed the signing. Speaking to reporters, Bruce said: 'Lee has everything that I like in a player so I'm delighted to have brought him to Sunderland.

'He is a terrific footballer. He is young, strong and has a real passion for the game that I'm sure our supporters will love. As a North East lad, he understands what it means to represent a club in this region and will bring some real bite to our side.

'I've been delighted with all the signings I've been able to make so far. Lee is a great addition and will strengthen us through the spine of the team, while creating real competition across midfield.'

Bruce has certainly improved the Black Cats starting XI and the squad as a whole. The signings of Cattermole and Cana have brought real class to the middle of the Sunderland midfield and both are a certain improvement over former skipper Dean Whitehead. This will likely see Kieran Richardson move back out onto the left wing, with Steed Malbranque remaining the club`s first choice right midfielder.

Sunderland, however, are still lacking in the defensive department. Bruce has only managed to sign Da Silva so far this summer, and his move is being held up by red tape. The Black Cats back four was the weakest area of the team last season and one would hope that one or two new faces will be brought in before the end of the transfer window. One player who could make the move is Lucas Neill, who is reportedly mulling over a number of offers.

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