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Sunderland today completed their fifth signing of the summer as they confirmed the capture of Jack Rodwell on a five-year deal for a fee believed to be £6m rising to £10m with add-ons. His signing will be seen as of something of a coup with numerous teams linked with the player, including the likes of Napoli, Southampton, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Rodwell had been a long term target of Gus Poyet and Lee Congerton and his arrival will provide a big boost to the Uruguayan after Poyet let it be known that he needed more new faces this week with only last two friendlies (against Real Betis and Udinese) left before the new Premier League season starts next weekend.
The 23-year-old joined Manchester City from Everton for a fee rising to £15m in the summer of 2012 but despite being highly rated he couldn't force his way into a side containing the likes of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho and will arrive at Sunderland desperate for first team football after only playing 26 games in all competitions for the Premier League champions.
He has made three appearances for England, with his only start coming against Seb Larsson's Sweden in a 1-0 win in November 2011.
The former Everton midfielder joins Billy Jones, Patrick van Aanholt, Jordi Gomez and former Man City teammate Costel Pantilimon as a new arrival at the Stadium of Light, with Poyet confident of adding to their number in the next few days.
Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout the summer as we keep you up to date with all the transfer news and rumours. Also, feel free to keep in touch with our dedicated Transfer Centre, which you can do by CLICKING HERE.
