Sunderland have announced the signing of Jermain Defoe, the forward returning for his second stint at the Stadium of Light.
Throughout Monday's transfer deadline day, rumours persisted that the 39-year-old would be linking up with the League One outfit on a free transfer.
As the clock went past midnight, it appeared that a deal would not be announced imminently, Defoe's status as a free agent ensuring that there was no rush to get a transfer finalised.
However, the Black Cats announced at 1.38am, GMT, that they had secured a reunion with a player who starred in the North-East during his previous spell between 2015 and 2017.
Speaking to the club's official website, the former England international said: "I can't stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons.
"I've had so many messages saying, 'remember when you said you would come back', as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave.
"I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted. I want to be a part of more special times here and I'm looking forward to it."
Defoe, most recently of Rangers, will hope to come into contention for Saturday's fixture at home to Doncaster Rovers.
Darren Plant
