LUKE O'Nien says it feels "incredible" to have extended his stay at Sunderland after the popular defender ended any uncertainty about his future by signing a new long-term contract at the Stadium of Light.

The 28-year-old had moved into the last year of his contract at Sunderland but has now agreed a new three-year deal, with the club having the option of a further 12 months.

O'Nien has established himself as a real favourite on Wearside since joining the club from Wycombe in 2018 and has made 225 appearances in his five years at the club so far. His versatility has been extremely useful and he's a pivotal figure for current boss Tony Mowbray, starting all four of Sunderland's Championship games so far this season.

He captained the Black Cats to their first win of the campaign against Rotherham United last weekend.

“It feels incredible to have extended my contract at the club," said O'Nien.

"I’ve got so many people to thank for the journey so far and I’ve loved my five years here. I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait to continue my time here and create more incredible memories with some great people.”

Outlining why Sunderland were so keen to keep O'Nien at the club, sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: “On and off the pitch, Luke’s had a really positive impact on the trajectory of the team over the last two seasons.

"He has established himself as a member of the starting XI this campaign and he continues to embrace the behaviours we want to promote. In addition to this, he provides tactical flexibility which we feel enhances our squad, so we are delighted that he’s agreed to extend his contract with us.”

O'Nien has scored 18 goals and added 15 assists for Sunderland and is a two-time Wembley winner for the Black Cats.

He was named in the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One Team of the Season and featured in 41 of Sunderland's 46 Championship games last term.

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Sunderland remain hopeful of adding to their squad ahead of Friday's deadline, with efforts to bring in a new striker continuing. Head coach Mowbray is also keen on adding another midfielder to add to his options in the centre, with club captain Corry Evans not due back until the end of the year.

As much as Mowbray wants new players through the door in the coming days, the head coach admits it's out of his hands.

He said: "I'm not at the forefront of getting players in. I might go into work tomorrow and there might be someone sitting there and Ill shake his hand and I'll say, you're the guy we're playing up-front.

"It's not quite that simple. I'm part of the discussions but I'm not sitting here doing the calls and having the conversations.

"I think the recruitment department have been amazing at this football club, before my time as well."

Exits are still possible in the coming days, though reports last week claimed Danny Batth has now decided against leaving Sunderland and will stay put.

"That's news to me," said Mowbray. "I don't know.

"I love them all really, that's my job. They have to feel that the gaffer is on their side.

"I talk to them every day, I'm not trying to push them out of the door. I love these footballers, they have got families, they have kids, the kids come to the functions, they are amazing people.

"If they are here, I am happy for them. If they move and get more money and more security for their wife and their kids, fantastic.

"If they are going to be here, they will get every bit of support from me. It's out of my hands a little bit."