Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has made Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha his latest summer signing.
Onuoha has signed a season-long loan deal on Wearside and will be available for Saturday's season opener with Birmingham City.
Bruce is a big admirer of the powerful 23-year-old, who has spent his entire career with City after coming through the club's youth system.
He has made 113 appearances in all competitions for the Eastlands outfit.
Born in Nigeria but raised in Manchester, Onuoha has captained England's under-21 side. He made 14 appearances for City last season, including their 4-3 win over Sunderland at Eastlands last December.
Onuoha will add further competition for places in defence and can be employed at either centre half or right back.
It is also reported that Danny Welbeck, the Man Utd youngster, will sign for Sunderland on a loan deal later today.
"Nedum is a modern-day defender," said Bruce, who added John Mensah to his defensive ranks earlier in the day.
"He's big, quick and powerful - a really good defender who despite his age has already played over 100 games.
"He has all the attributes a modern defender needs."
"Nedum is someone I've tracked for a long time so it's great to get the deal done to bring him here," he said.
"He can play anywhere across the back line too so it's great to have added that flexibility and some strong competition for places."
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