Sunderland Transfer News: Newcastle Fan Danny Graham Signs On

Sky Sports) with the striker signing a three-and-a-half-year deal to join the Black Cats. The 27-year-old, who earlier turned down a move to Middlesbrough, travelled to the North East to undergo a medical and finalise the deal after the two sides had agreed the fee. He will now join up with his new team-mates, ahead of Sunderland's weekend game against resurgent Reading. The signing of the striker can't come soon enough for Sunderland who failed to hit a shot on target for the third time this season against Swansea City, though the player's personal allegiances won't go down well with some Sunderland fans, who made their discontent known during the game by booing him roundly. In the past Graham has publically released some disparaging comments about the club, thanks to his support of local rivals Newcastle United, telling one fanzine that he would rather support Gateshead than Sunderland if Newcastle didn't exist anymore (source: MailOnline.) Despite that allegiance to Newcastle, Graham told Sunderland's official website that it wasn't a tough decision to move to the Black Cats:

"As soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland I didn't even have to consider any of the other options that were on the table. "I totally understand that some fans might need convincing about my commitment to Sunderland because of my roots, but I've always given 100% no matter what team I play for and no matter who I play against." "I was born and brought up in the north east so I know first-hand the intense passion that people have for their football in this part of the world - it's special and there's nowhere else like it." "Of course, I totally understand that some fans might need convincing about my commitment to Sunderland because of my roots, but I've always given 100% no matter what team I play for and no matter who I play against. "It's up to me to show people I deserve to wear the Sunderland shirt and I'm excited about playing for a club as big as this. I'm really excited about the future - this is a new phase of my career and I can't wait to get started."

Graham, who signed for Swansea in the summer of 2011 from Watford, has made 23 appearances this season, including 10 off the bench, and has scored 7 goals. Sunderland fans - are you excited by the prospect of Graham lining up in a red and white shirt? Share your thoughts below.