LEEDS UNITED defender Laurens de Bock has arrived in a bid to solve Sunderland's left-back shortage - as Jack Baldwin prepares to leave the Stadium of Light.

De Bock has become the Black Cats' seventh addition of the summer on a season long loan ahead of today's 5pm deadline for League One and Two clubs to get deals done.

The 26-year-old only moved to Elland Road in January last year after making over 100 appearances for Belgian side Club Brugge during a five-year stint.

The Belgian, who started his career at Lokeren, spent last season back in his native country on loan at Belgian Pro League side Oostende.

De Bock said: "I am very happy to be here because I have heard a lot of good things about the club. I’ve spoken to other Belgians who have played here, and they’ve all spoken very highly about the place.

“I know the team wants to go up this season and hopefully my experience will help us achieve that. The manager has been really positive in the conversations I’ve had with him and that’s given me a great feeling because I know they believe in me.”

Sunderland manager Jack Ross has worked on numerous full-back options, including Morgan Fox, Greg Taylor and Declan John.

Ross said: "Getting some competition into our left side has been a priority for a while now. We have had to work hard to get Laurens in because he’s a player that’s got a really good pedigree in terms of Champions League and Europa League experience.He’s excited about coming here so we’re looking forward to working with him.”

Sunderland's latest signing could be followed by news that Baldwin is leaving. 

The former Hartlepool defender has fallen down the pecking order following a number of defensive recruits. Salford City are pushing to get a deal tied up for him in the next couple of hours.