OFFICIAL: Defender Mangane signs on-loan

Centre-half Kader Mangane has signed on-loan from Al-Hilal for six months, as expected, becoming Sunderland's second January addition.

The 29 year-old Senegal international arrives on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal at the Stadium of Light.

An imposing 6'5 centre-half, Mangane arrives at a time when Martin O'Neill's defensive options are particularly thin, with Carlos Cuellar and Wes Brown both currently sidelined.

Speaking to the Official Sunderland Site, O'Neill spoke of his happiness at completing the deal:

"Kader is player who will add to the overall strength of our squad and give us options. He will improve competition for places and we are delighted to welcome him to the club."

The addition had been expected with a picture of Mangane in his Sunderland shirt leaked earlier in the day and O'Neill telling Sky Sports News that he expected to complete the deal:

'As we speak we think we're pretty close to sorting it out. It is almost there but not just yet.

'We're short of players at the moment and what I'm hoping he will bring is competition for places which is pretty important at any football club.'

Mangane, who stands at 6'5, started his career in his home country with US Rail, before moving to Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax in 2001.

He would spend six years with Neuchatel and clock up 150 appearances before moving to another Swiss outfit in Young Boys.

After just seven appearances for the Berne-based side he moved to France and Ligue 1 side, Lens.

Having impressed with Lens, the six-cap Senegal international joined Rennes and spent four years with The Red and Blacks before joining Saudi side Al-Hilal on a three-year contract last summer.

Welcome to Sunderland, Kader!

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