• Premier League

Sunderland complete £8m coup for Wickham

ESPN staff
June 29, 2011
Connor Wickham applauds the fans © Getty Images
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Sunderland have completed the signing of former Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham for £8 million, rising to £12m depending on various incentives.

The 18-year-old has agreed a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light, and will join up with his new team-mates after taking a holiday following his recent involvement in England's unsuccessful campaign at the Under-21 European Championships.

Liverpool had reportedly been interested in the 6'3" target man, with Arsenal and Tottenham previously believed to be watching the forward, but Steve Bruce's offer proved enough to get the deal done.

"A number of top sides have been chasing Connor for some time now, so naturally we are absolutely delighted he has chosen to come to Sunderland," Bruce said.

"He's still very young, but at 6'3" he's a physical presence. With his height and style of play, he will offer us a threat in front of goal and complement our existing strikers.

"We have been watching him for a while now and he is improving and developing all the time. He's a great prospect and I'm sure our supporters will love watching him play."

Meanwhile, Wickham has admitted it did not take Bruce long to persuade him his future lay on Wearside.

He told SAFC TV: "Once the fee was agreed and I met with the manager, he basically told me everything about the club and the ambitions, and it was sold. Now everything is done and dusted, I just really can't wait to get started.

"Ever since the speculation, I have never felt pressured. I have never felt intimidated by what has gone on off the pitch or who has come in or anything like that. But now I am obviously relieved to have everything done.

"The weight has been lifted off my shoulders now. I can get back to playing football, and I know where I am going to be next season. I just want to play now.''

Wickham is the club's third signing of the summer, after previously agreeing deals for goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and midfielder Sebastian Larsson on free transfers.

Chunnam Dragons striker Ji Dong-won has also been tipped to make the move to Wearside, while negotiations are believed to be ongoing with Birmingham City's Craig Gardner.

Wickham scored nine goals in 40 appearances for Ipswich last season, helping him to win the Championship's young player of the season award.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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