SUNDERLAND have confirmed the signing of Portuguese goalkeeper Mika - despite the transfer window having closed last Wednesday.

Mika, whose full name is Michael Simoes Domingues, has signed a two-year contract at the Stadium of Light, and will provide competition to youngster Jordan Pickford, who started the Black Cats' 1-1 draw at Southampton, and Vito Mannone, who is nursing a long-term injury.

Sunderland had to secure formal permission from FIFA to complete the transfer, as Mika's registration was not completed before the transfer window closed at 11pm last Wednesday.

Black Cats officials were confident they had completed their side of the paperwork, and claimed the delay was caused by a technical issue at Mika's former club, Boavista.

The technical problem meant Boavista were unable to sign off the transfer ahead of the deadline, but FIFA have accepted that both clubs acted in good faith and have formally ratified the transfer.

Mika arrives on Wearside after spending the last two seasons at Boavista, having previously played for Benfica and Atletico CP.

The 25-year-old, who is a former Portugal Under-21 international, is likely to be on the bench when Sunderland entertain Everton on Monday.