KRISTJAAN Speakman says Sunderland's patience has paid off after goalkeeper Nathan Bishop completed his move from Manchester United.

The 23-year-old, who Speakman says Sunderland have long courted, has joined for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

The keeper has spent recent weeks with Manchester United's first team during their tour of the USA but now has now linked up with the Sunderland squad ahead of the Championship season getting underway this weekend.

Bishop said: "You see the direction that the club is going, playing young players and allowing them to express themselves and push on in a great league. I think that is so exciting, so I want to come in and earn the right to play for such a great team and a great club.”

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Bishop arrives to provide cover and competition for first choice keeper Anthony Patterson, with last season's deputy Alex Bass having recently joined AFC Wimbledon on loan.

Speakman said: “Nathan’s a player we have been tracking for some time and we’ve stayed patient to complete this transfer.

"He’s ambitious, positive and focused on improving and trying to earn a place in the starting eleven. We want a challenging environment on the grass every day and we believe Nathan can add to what we feel is a really strong group of goalkeepers.

"We thank Man Utd for their collaboration on this – it’s not always easy to align at the right moment, but we are happy Nathan is here prior to the season commencing."