Northern Ireland international Carl Winchester has joined League One club Sunderland from Forest Green Rovers on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The 27-year-old arrives at the Stadium of Light for an undisclosed fee.
"It's a massive club and once I heard about the interest, there was only one place I wanted to come," said the former Linfield and Oldham player.
"I'll give my all for the team and I'll go out there and wear my heart on my sleeve."
Winchester previously worked with Sunderland boss Lee Johnson when the pair were at Oldham Athletic.
"The manager believes in me and I believe in myself.