ALAN Browne got the transfer thumbs up on a move to Sunderland from former Black Cats boss Alex Neil.

Browne knows Neil well having played for the Scot at Preston and respects the opinion of the former North End and Sunderland manager.

And while he was already keen on the move to Wearside after talks with Kristjaan Speakman, the 29-year-old's mind was well and truly made up after Neil sang the praises of his former club.

Browne put pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Black Cats on Thursday morning, becoming the second signing of the summer after goalkeeper Simon Moore.

Browne's arrival is crucial for Sunderland, who identified the need for more Championship nous in the squad and particularly in midfield after the exit of Corry Evans.

Browne arrives on Wearside having played more than 400 times for Preston, the vast majority in the second tier, and having won Player of the Year at Deepdale last season.

"I like the project of the club, they have a lot of young players and that's where I think I can add a bit of value," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"I've played in the league a long time and have a lot of experience. At the same time, I say the squad is young but they have experience themselves. Obviously the lads were challenging for the play-offs a couple of years back. it's a really talented squad. And the size of the club really appealed to me. It's a massive club, one of the biggest in England.

"It's a talented group already. I think I can bring my talent first and foremost but also my experience. I think that's something the team will need this season to make the next step. They have the talent there, I know from playing against them, but I can bring my nous to the team.

"I've captained Preston for quite some time so I can bring those leadership qualities. Hopefully I'll settle in. I'm raring to go."

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Browne has liked what he's heard from sporting director Speakman and new head coach Regis Le Bris in recent weeks - and was also urged to make the move by his former boss Neil, who was in charge of Preston for four years before winning promotion with the Black Cats.

Browne said: "I met the sporting director first. He was telling me about the values and history of the cub and what they're trying to achieve and why they're bringing me here.

"That's something I want to be a part of. Then I spoke to the manager after who shared his ideas of how he likes to play and approach games and his different styles and tactics. We talked through all that and it was something I believe in myself in the way he wants to play.

"I spoke to Alex Neil, who only said good things about the club, I worked with him for quite some time at Preston and I do take his advice on board. I don't think he'd point me in the wrong direction. He had a lot of good things to say about the club."

Browne is now looking to build on his own impressive campaign last term and hit the ground running at the Stadium of Light - with promotion the aim.

"First of all I want to settle in and I have to move my family up, which is a big move," he said.

"I need to get firing on the pitch which is what you're judged on. Hopefully I can settle in and help the lads achieve success this year, which would be to get promoted to the Premier League.

"It's a tough task ahead but I think it's achievable for this club and squad."