JOE Anderson says he's been blown away by Sunderland's "phenomenal" vision and can't wait to get started after completing his move from Everton.

The young defender trained with his new teammates on Tuesday morning after completing his switch from Merseyside, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland having the option of a further year.

Anderson has captained Everton's Under-21s but now wants to make the step into senior football and after talks with Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman, knew Sunderland was the right move.

He said: "I'm over the moon. The minute I heard they were interested I knew it was the right club for me.

"For the next step in my career it was 100% the right move and having spoken to people at the club, the pathway and structure is phenomenal.

"To meet the gaffer this morning, how down to earth he is, the fact he was a centre-half, how much I can learn from him. Already just from a five-10 minute conversation with him and he's telling me how he'll help me and that his door is always open.

"And Kristjaan explained the (club's) plan. That's the biggest thing here, how much they invest in youth and the project. You can see how well they're doing and it's only going to get better and better.

"I've met the lads this morning and they've been amazing and made me feel so welcome."

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Anderson is a central defender but can also play in a left sided role.

Explaining what he'll offer, the 21-year-old says: "First and foremost, I like to defend but I feel like I can bring some presence into the changing rooms. I was captain of Everton's Under-21s. I can bring a bit of humour to the dressing room. I'll bring my personality and I feel together we can achieve good things.

"On the ball I like to step in and play, pick my passes, almost become a midfielder."

Anderson started out at Liverpool before moving across Merseyside to Everton when he was 15. Now, he's ready to kick-on in senior first team football.

He says: "I was at Liverpool very young and had a few different position changes. I made the step to Everton and felt it was the best decision and over the years I've developed from a boy to a man.

"Now, with everything I've spoken to Sunderland about, this is 100% the right move and I can't wait to get started.

"It's a massive club, I see them as a Premier League club, the fanbase, stadium, away support.

"I watched the game against Fulham and the derby against Middlesbrough and you can hear the fans through the TV. To get to the Stadium of Light and see it in person, I just can't wait."