SUNDERLAND’S rebuilding job has taken a major step forward after goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin and attacking midfielder Chris Maguire both signed two-year deals at the Stadium of Light.

McLaughlin joined the Black Cats as a free agent after turning down the offer of a new deal at Scottish Premier League side Hearts, while Maguire moved from Bury following the Shakers’ relegation to League Two.

McLaughlin’s arrival was confirmed first, with the Scotland international set to be Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper began his career as a non-league player with Harrogate Railway Athletic and Harrogate Town.

He made his professional debut with Bradford City, and made 145 appearances for the Bantams before moving on to Burton Albion.

He joined Hearts last summer on a one-year deal, and impressed sufficiently during his season in the Scottish Premier League to earn a maiden call-up to the senior Scotland national team at the start of this month.

“Jon was in Scotland last season, but he’s spent the rest of his career in England and played in successful teams in this division,” said Sunderland manager Jack Ross.

“He’s a really good signing for us because he will security and stability to that position, as well as experience to the team, and play a key role moving forward. He’s a safe pair of hands.”

McLaughlin replaces Jason Steele, who joined Brighton last week, with Lee Camp also having left Sunderland since the end of last season after his loan deal expired.

Maguire has also signed a two-year deal on Wearside, with Ross having identified him as a leading target from the moment he was appointed as Sunderland boss.

The 29-year-old, who can play in midfield or attack, spent last season with Bury after moving to Gigg Lane from Oxford United, where he scored 17 League One goals during the 2016-17 campaign.

“Chris was desperate to come here, and he will tell you this is the biggest club he’s played for,” said Ross. “But he’s got a bit about him and as soon as he saw the stadium, he said, ‘I’ll have a bit of this’.

“He comes with a belief in his own abilities and a desire to make the most of this opportunity, so I’m pleased he’s aboard because he has proven quality.”

Maguire was born in the Scottish town of Bellshill and started his career with Aberdeen. He made more than 150 appearances with the Dons before moving to England to join Derby County in 2011.

He has also had permanent spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham, and boasts two senior international caps with Scotland.

He will add some much-needed experience to a Sunderland frontline that will have a completely different look next term. Ashley Fletcher has returned to Middlesbrough at the end of his loan deal, while Josh Maja and Joel Asoro could both move on this summer having so far refused to sign new contracts on Wearside.

Sunderland intend to sign two new strikers this summer, with Lyle Taylor also on their wanted list. The Black Cats have held talks with the 28-year-old, who has come to the end of his contract at AFC Wimbledon, and have tabled what they believe to be an attractive offer.

However, Bristol Rovers, Southend, Peterborough and Burton have also held talks with Taylor and his representatives, and the striker is still assessing his options before making a decision on his future.

AFC Wimbledon have offered him the opportunity to remain at Kingsmeadow, but Sunderland are hopeful he will opt to move to Wearside.