KRISTJAAN Speakman believes Ian Poveda will offer a new dimension to Sunderland's attack after the versatile forward finalised his switch to Wearside.

The 24-year-old, a free agent after leaving Leeds United earlier this summer, has signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland having the option of a further year.

The Black Cats beat their Championship rivals including Sheffield Wednesday to capture of the in-demand forward, who has plenty of Championship experience after loan spells with the Owls, Blackpool and Blackburn.

He also played 14 times in the Premier League during his time at Leeds.

“All I want to do is get on the pitch and play for Sunderland," said Poveda.

"I feel like I have the right people at the club supporting me and the love I’ve already received from the people here is something I can’t describe.

"I’m a creative player with good one-on-one ability, who is never afraid to take anyone on. I’ll work hard for the team and I’m excited to get started.”

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Sporting director Speakman said: "We have tracked his experiences in the Championship throughout recent seasons and are delighted. He’s strong in one-on-one situations and has the acceleration to change the tempo of our play, whilst offering the flexibility to play in several attacking positions.

"We feel these are qualities that can improve our team and equally, he requires the foundations to develop the next stage of his career. We are confident we can provide that platform and we are delighted to welcome Ian to the club."

Poveda spent time with Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Brentford and Manchester City in the youth ranks and made his senior debut for Pep Guardiola's side in the Carabao Cup in the 2018/19 season.

He joined Leeds United in January 2020 but never managed to truly establish himself at Elland Road.

Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray was Poveda's manager during his loan spell at Blackburn and tried to re-sign him in January when he was in the dugout at Birmingham City.

Poveda instead opted for Sheffield Wednesday and despite making just 10 appearances impressed enough for Owls boss Danny Rohl to prioritise the permanent capture of the winger this summer.

But Rohl hinted earlier this week that Wednesday were going to miss out on the wideman and it then emerged that Sunderland had jumped to the front of the queue in the battle to sign Poveda.

With Poveda through the door, Sunderland will now continue in their quest to bolster their frontline with a new striker.

The Black Cats are interested in Caen's Alexandre Mendy and talks have been held but there's not yet an agreement in place.

Mendy, 30, has been training on his own and didn't travel with the Caen squad for their pre-season trip to Switzerland.

Caen boss Nicolas Seube said this week: “I hope that when we return, either an arrangement will have been found, or Alex will be able to rejoin the group. It’s also for his own good too.”

The Guinea-Bissau international, who has publicly told of his desire to join Sunderland, scored 22 goals in 37 appearances in the French second tier last term.