SUNDERLAND announced their first deal of the summer yesterday, confirming BFS Group Limited as the club’s new principal partner from next season.

Manager Paolo Di Canio is closing in on his first summer signings since taking over from Martin O’Neill in April, but the club has sealed a new off-field deal.

Their partnership with BFS Group, the main UK operation of the Bidvest Group, which has headquarters in South Africa, includes shirt sponsorship, perimeter advertising and involvement from the players in community events in the UK.

It also continues Sunderland’s growing affiliation with the African continent, which was kick-started by its link up with the Invest in Africa initiative and recent collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

The Bidvest Group also owns Bidvest Wits, one of the largest African football clubs, and Sunderland will be able to share coaching and business expertise with the South African club.

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: “We are absolutely delighted to be entering into a partnership with The BFS Group and Bidvest.

“The groups’ credentials in terms of community support are akin to our own and this takes our club to a whole new level in terms of its international commercial activity.

“Whilst Sunderland will always be a club defined by its proud regional history and heritage, in order for the club to continue to move forward, building our reputation and presence internationally becomes a key focus.

“I am sure this will be a very fruitful partnership for both parties.”

Di Canio continues to scour the market for summer recruits and is closing in on his first signing.

Basel’s out of contract midfielder Cabral has agreed a four-year deal and the transfer is expected to be announced at the beginning of next month.

The holding midfielder, who boasts Swiss citizenship, will be the first of several summer arrivals.

The Italian manager has hinted he would like to bring in up to seven new faces in a summer shake-up after the club announced its retained list yesterday.

As expected, defenders Titus Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon have left the club along with Adam Reed, Ryan Noble and Ben Wilson, who were all out of contract at the Stadium of Light.

Serbian winger Milos Krasic has revealed he has received a number of offers from the Premier League with Sunderland rumoured to be among those interested.