SUNDERLAND have moved to end the transfer speculation surrounding Dan Ballard, with the influential defender signing a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

Ballard has recently been linked with Will Still's Lens and was also said to be on the radar of Ipswich Town earlier this summer, but the former Arsenal centre-back has now committed his future to the Black Cats until 2028, signing a new one-year extension.

The Northern Ireland international says signing a new deal was "the only thing he wanted to do" and is now looking to kick on again after establishing himself as a key man on Wearside.

The 24-year-old has played for Sunderland 66 times since his arrival two years ago, with his superb club form leading to international honours. He captained Northern Ireland for the first time in May.

Ballard said: “Sunderland gave me the opportunity to come and play in the Championship and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. When they came forward to talk about a new deal, it was the only thing I wanted to do, so I’m delighted to have signed it. I’m now looking forward to the season.”

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Kristjaan Speakman, Sunderland's sporting director, added: “We are all really pleased with Dan’s progress throughout the past two seasons, and he has become an important player in our dressing room.

"The level of his performances and his potential to improve further are clear, and it’s a great endorsement of all the work happening behind the scenes that a player of Dan’s calibre has reiterated his commitment to our club.”

Ballard only missed three Championship games last term but is expected to miss the start of the coming season having undergone minor knee surgery last week after suffering an injury in the opening pre-season fixture at South Shields.

But the defender is expected to return to action before the end of August and will be a key man for new boss Regis Le Bris this term.