OFFICIAL: Sunderland complete Graham deal

Sunderland have finally ended the long-running saga surrounding Danny Graham, signing the Swansea City striker on a three-and-a-half-year deal for a sum of £5m.

Graham, 27, joins the Black Cats from the South Wales outfit on an three-and-a-half-year deal after a protracted saga.

The Gateshead-born striker had been subject of a £5m offer from his first club Middlesbrough earlier in the day, but the forward snubbed a return to the npower Championship side.

Speaking to safc.com, Graham said of his move:

"Of course, I totally understand that some fans might need convincing about my commitment to Sunderland because of my roots, but I've always given 100% no matter what team I play for and no matter who I play against.

"It's up to me to show people I deserve to wear the Sunderland shirt and I'm excited about playing for a club as big as this.

In 18 months at the Liberty Stadium, Graham made 42 Barclays Premier League starts for the Swans, scoring 15 top-flight goals.

Ironically, the 6`1 forward`s last appearance for Michael Laudrup`s side came against against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.

Graham started his career with Middlesbrough, making just one league start and 14 substitute appearances for the Teessiders, scoring one league goal.

A free transfer to Carlisle United followed, having previously taken in a successful loan spell with the Cumbrians.

Two years with the League One outfit brought Graham an impressive 30 goals in 80 league starts.

Graham had previously been on-loan at Leeds United, Blackpool, Darlington and Derby County during his time at the Riverside.

Following the expiry of his contract at Brunton Park, Graham joined npower Championship outfit Watford on a free transfer, with a tribunal setting a compensation package of an initial £250k.

The forward rewarded the Hornets for their faith, scoring 14 in his first season at Vicarage Road.

In his second full season in the second tier, Graham bagged a whopping 27 goals - making him the division`s highest-scorer.

That form prompted Brendan Rodgers and Swansea to fork out £3.5m for Graham who rewarded the Ulsterman with 14 goals from 39 league and cup outings.

Graham will wear the number nine shirt at Sunderland.

Welcome to Sunderland, Danny!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.