Northern Ireland international Flanagan signs for Sunderland
SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of Northern Ireland international Tom Flanagan on a two-year deal.
Flanagan - who can play anywhere across the back four - joins from Burton Albion on a free transfer.
He becomes Sunderland’s fourth signing of the summer following the recent arrivals of defender Alim Ozturk, goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin and striker Chris Maguire as new boss Jack Ross’ League One rebuild begins to take shape.
Speaking about the signing, Ross said: “First and foremost, I think he is at an age, and at a stage in his career, where he feels he has not quite achieved what he can do given his ability.
“This is an opportunity for him to reach his potential. He can help us improve as a team and beyond that what he gives me as a manager is really good versatility because he can play anywhere across the back four - which will be important as the season goes on.
“I have spoken previously about how it is important to have players who not only have experience in this division but have been successful in it.
“He has gained promotion from the league before so that will stand us in good stead.”
The 26-year-old joins after three seasons at Burton Albion, spending two seasons in the Championship having helped the Brewers win promotion from League One in 2016.
The following season he helped Burton achieve Championship survival against the odds and he earned his first cap for Northern Ireland in a friendly victory over New Zealand.
His third and final season at Burton resulted in relegation to League One and he was transferlisted at the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Sunderland’s League One rivals Bristol Rovers appear to have beaten the Black Cats in the race to sign former St Mirren forward Gavin Reilly.
Reilly had been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light after leaving St Mirren on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Hoever, it seems as if he has chosen a move to the south west rather than the North East.