Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Cats complete Turner coup

01 Sep 2009 - 07:13:57

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Sunderland have won the race to sign highly-rated central defender Michael Turner from Hull City.

The 25-year-old, who had also been linked with Liverpool, joins the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee, having agreed a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce told the club's official website: "I believe that Michael is one of the country's premier central defenders.

"I have been looking to add size and strength to the back line and Michael fits the bill perfectly in that respect, as well as being an excellent technical footballer.

"His aerial ability provides us with another dimension at set-pieces at either end of the field. I am delighted that he has chosen to buy into what we are trying to achieve here at Sunderland.

"He has developed immeasurably as a player while with Hull.

"I am extremely confident he will continue that progress with Sunderland and go on to be a big success."