The arrival of midfielder Enzo Le Fee is a sign of how attractive Sunderland are for ambitious players, according to head coach Regis Le Bris.
Frenchman Le Fee has signed on loan from Italian giants Roma for the rest of the season to link up with Le Bris.
He only joined the Serie A club last summer in a deal worth around £19.4m from French club Rennes.
"It's a good statement for the club because it shows that we are attractive," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"The environment is positive to grow, to live big emotions and to improve.