Williams fired up to shine for Sunderland

He is hoping to boost his chances of appearing at the World Cup next summer by getting a consistent run of games under his belt at the Stadium of Light and helping the Black Cats to push for promotion this season.

He said: “We [Wales] had training this morning, obviously we’ve got a big game coming up this weekend, the gaffer let me leave a little bit early to come and get this done, which was great.

“I left in the car at half one and got here at half eight, so I got there in the end.

“It’s a really exciting move for myself.

“I’ve heard great things about the manager and his assistant – I think they’ll get the best out of me and play me in positions where I can hurt the opposition.

“Getting a run of games is the most important thing.

“I managed to do something special with Palace and go up through the playoffs.

“I hope to do the same here.”

The triple swoop means Sunderland have brought in 10 players since Grayson (pictured) arrived on Wearside.

Four of those have been loan deals, with goalkeeper RobbinRuitertheonlyonenot to come from the British Isles. Grayson and chief executive Martin Bain have operated on a shoestring budget and spent just over £1million.

Former Sunderland midfielder Alfred N’Diaye is back in England, signing for Championship high-fliers Wolves on a season-long loan deal.

N’Diaye, 27, has managed just nine league appearances for Villarreal since joining from Real Betis in January 2016.

He had 15 games on loan at Hull last season but could not prevent their relegation from the Premier League.

He managed 16 appearances for Sunderland after signing for Martin O’Neill in January 2013.

Hull have signed Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori on a season-long loan deal, while Bristol City landed Panathinaikos goalkeeper Luke Steele on a free, plus Derry City forward Rory Holden and Luton midfielder Tyreeq Bakinson.