SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of former England Under 21 international Craig Gardner from Birmingham City for a fee believed to be £6m.

Gardner, just hours after the Black Cats announced the arrival of South Korean Ji Dong-won, has signed a contract until the summer of 2014 and will compete for a central midfield place.

The 24 year-old started his career at Aston Villa, where he made 80 appearances in all competitions, before joining Birmingham in January 2010.

He scored an impressive ten goals in 37 league and cup appearances, finishing the season as Birmingham's top scorer.