KRISTJAAN Speakman says Sunderland have added an "exciting, quick and direct" striker after the Black Cats confirmed the signing of Eliezer Mayenda.

The 18-year-old has signed a five-year deal on Wearside, moving from French second tier club Sochaux for an undisclosed fee and following Bradley Dack through the door as Sunderland bolster their squad ahead of next week's Championship kick-off.

Sporting director Speakman believes Mayenda will excite the Sunderland fans but has urged patience as the teenager settles into life in the Championship.

He said: “Eliezer is an exciting, quick and direct player, who's equally effective with the ball to feet or running beyond opponents.

"We are delighted to welcome him to Sunderland AFC and I’m sure our fans will enjoy watching him and following his journey with us.

"He’ll naturally need some time to adapt and integrate, but he’s full of ambition and I know how much he’s looking forward to showing everyone what he's capable of.”

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Mayenda, a former Spain Under-17 international, made 20 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring four goals. He linked up with his new Sunderland teammates on Friday ahead of tomorrow's pre-season friendly against Real Mallorca at the Stadium of Light.

Mayenda said: “I am very happy to be here because that is what I wanted. It is a historic club in England and it's a club that I already knew about so I was very excited to come here. I really wanted to take up the new challenge."

Sunderland have been working around the clock to bolster their forward line ahead of the Championship season, with Ross Stewart still two months short of being in contention for a return to action.

Prior to the arrival of Mayenda, fellow summer signing Hemir was Sunderland's only fit recognised striker.