Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat believes the £2million signing of Celtic right-back Adam Matthews will provide greater competition for places in the side.
The Premier League outfit confirmed the signing late on Friday night and the Wales international becomes the second arrival in quick succession for the Black Cats.
Uruguayan Sebastian Coates had already been announced on Wednesday after joining from Liverpool for a fee believed to be around the £2million mark.
Conceding goals was a major problem for Sunderland last season and the 53 scored against them, eight of which came in one game against Southampton, almost sent the club down to the Championship.
A good run at the end of the campaign ensured their place in the Premier League and Advocaat, who has signed a one-year deal to take over permanently after his temporary spell at the club, is confident the arrival of Matthews will be positive for the team.
He told the club’s website: “We know that we need quality players to improve competition for places in the side, so Adam is a welcome addition to our squad and we are very pleased to welcome him to Sunderland.”
Matthews won the Scottish Premiership title four times with Celtic and made over 100 appearances for the Bhoys in what was a hugely successful time.
Sunderland are fourth favourites to be relegated at 2.75 but they will be hoping to get off to a good start against Leicester City on the opening day of the new season.
The Foxes, who sacked boss Nigel Pearson recently, are still fancied to pick up three points at 1.95 while the Black Cats are the outsiders away from home at 4.00.
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