SUNDERLAND have made their second first team signing of the summer in the form of former Coventry goalkeeper Lee Burge.

The Black Cats have been looking at their options to replace Robbin Ruiter and Max Stryjek after they were allowed to leave at the end of their contracts.

And Burge, 26, has arrived as a free agent after leaving the Sky Blues where he has spent the last two seasons as No 1. He has signed a two year deal. 

Former Middlesbrough shot-stopper Dimi Konstantopoulos has been an option too, but Burge has proved to be a younger alternative.

He will now challenge Jon McLaughlin for the first team shirt at the Stadium of Light.

Burge said: “This is a club that can offer me everything I want, and the stature of the club is incredible. 

“As a player, you want to train at the best facilities and play in the best stadiums, and this is by far the best place I have experienced. I just can’t wait to get going.”

Sunderland manager Jack Ross was keen to add him to his ranks because he boasts plenty experience at League One level, having spent the last 15 years at Coventry where he graduated from the academy. 

Ross said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lee to Sunderland. 

“It was an area we were looking to strengthen, and as you can see from his record, he boasts a wealth of experience within the Football League.

“Throughout the last 12 months we have worked hard to bring the right type of players to the club, and I’m sure Lee will fit seamlessly into the group.”

McLaughlin was player of the season for Sunderland last year and he has attracted interest from Championship clubs, with both Middlesbrough and Millwall credited with an interest.

Sunderland look set to lose out for Lawrence Shankland, however. The striker is set to undergo a medical with Dundee United after being on the radar of the Wearside outfit.

Shankland, whose contract at Ayr ran out this summer, has been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light since the summer of last year. He is, though, set to sign a three year deal at with Dundee United.