** BREAKING NEWS **
SUNDERLAND'S hopes of signing Chris Baird have been dashed after the defender completed a £3.025m move to Fulham.
The Northern Ireland international had been close to moving to the Stadium of Light after the Cottagers accepted Sunderland's earlier bid for his services.
Baird spoke to Sunderland officials earlier this week, but also opted to meet with Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez after the London club matched the Wearsiders' offer.
And after passing a medical at Fulham's training ground this morning, the defender has opted to link up with his former international boss at Craven Cottage.
** READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWS IN THE SPORT SECTION OF TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **
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