Sunderland's Valentin Roberge completes Reims loan switch

Sunderland defender Valentin Roberge has joined French club Reims on a season-long loan.

The 27-year-old, who made the move to the Stadium of Light from Maritimo last summer, departs the Black Cats having made just 13 appearances for the club.

Recent reports suggested that the centre-back would only be allowed to leave if further defensive cover was found, and with Sebastian Coates having made the move to the North-East from Liverpool on loan this evening, Roberge was given the green light.

Gus Poyet is also said to be interested in landing Inter Milan's Ricky Alvarez before the close of the transfer window at 11pm tonight.