GARY BREEN will today complete his free transfer to Sunderland as Mick McCarthy's rebuilding programme gathers pace.

A day after Jeff Whitley became McCarthy's first signing as Sunderland manager, Breen will put pen to paper on a two-year deal after he left West Ham United.

Breen, 29, had a highly successful World Cup with the Republic of Ireland last year and decided to link up with McCarthy again, despite interest from Premiership new boys Leicester City and Sporting Lisbon.

McCarthy was anxious to recruit a centre-back after seeing Jody Craddock join Wolverhampton Wanderers last Thursday.

Sunderland's three most senior players in that position - Joachim Bjorklund, Emerson Thome and Phil Babb - were all told at the end of last season that they could leave the Black Cats for nothing.

But no clubs have come in for any of the players, and Bjorklund is likely to line up alongside Breen when Sunderland kick off their Nationwide League campaign at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

McCarthy said: "I've been looking for a centre back and Gary is a vastly experienced defender who I'm sure will do well for us.

"I don't anticipate that there will be any problems with the medical and expect he'll sign a two-year contract."

Breen, who has 56 Ireland caps, was mentioned as a possible target for Barcelona after a series of strong displays in the Far East.

But he struggled to recapture his World Cup form as West Ham were relegated, and he must now try to rebuild his reputation on Wearside.

Whitley signed an 11-month contract with Sunderland yesterday after impressing McCarthy during an elongated trial period.

The combative midfielder has been with the Black Cats since April after he was released by Manchester City.

But Sunderland's financial constraints precluded McCarthy from trying to sign the 28-year-old on a permanent deal until the departures of Craddock and Gavin McCann.

Whitley could only play for Sunderland Reserves last season after arriving in the North-East after the transfer window closed, but he is set to make his competitive first-team debut this weekend.

McCarthy said: "Jeff is a good player who I'm sure will do well for us.

"I've made no secret of my desire to sign him and I'm glad it's all gone through."

Whitley added: "I'm glad to get things sorted. I've had regular chats with the manager, but because of the club's situation I've had to be patient.

"I had a chat with the manager when I first came last season and this is the club I wanted to sign for.

"It's great that this has paid off and I can't wait for the new season."

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