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Rodwell leaves City for Sunderland

Jack Rodwell made only one Premier League start at Manchester City last year © Getty Images

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Sunderland have completed the signing of midfielder Jack Rodwell from Manchester City.

Rodwell, 23, moves to the Stadium of Light after signing a five-year deal, the club announced on their official website, for a fee believed to be in the region of £10 million.

"I met up with the head coach and all the people involved with the club. They told me about the club and their vision and it swayed me," said Rodwell.

#SAFC are delighted to confirm the signing of @JackRodwell from @MCFC on a five-year contract. #HawayRodwell pic.twitter.com/duHy4SQy7j

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 5, 2014

"It's such a good club with passionate fans and I can't wait to get on board. This is a great place for me to be."

The midfielder became surplus to requirements for the Premier League champions after City manager Manuel Pellegrini signed three central midfielders this summer.

Fernando has arrived from Porto for £12m, Argentine youngster Bruno Zuculini joined from Racing Club and Frank Lampard was taken on loan from New York City FC.

Rodwell only made one Premier League start in an injury-hit season last year as he struggled with hamstring problems.

He had joined City for an initial fee of £12m from Everton in August 2012 but has only started 10 games in two seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

Everton had expressed an interest in taking Rodwell back to Goodison Park on loan and he was also linked with Southampton and Napoli.

Sunderland have already signed one City player this summer, bringing in goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, who was released at the end of his contract.

Manager Gus Poyet has also brought Chelsea left-back Patrick van Aanholt, West Brom right-back Billy Jones and Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez to the Stadium of Light.

However, with four central midfielders departing - Jack Colback, Craig Gardner, David Vaughan and the on-loan Ki Sung-Yeung - he is looking for further reinforcements in that area.

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