SUNDERLAND enjoyed a successful domestic deadline day as they completed the signing of Wolves defender Dion Sanderson on a season-long loan.

Sanderson, a 20-year-old centre-half, spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff City and had been expected to join another club in the second tier this season.

However, while Cardiff discussed the possibility of another loan, the youngster agreed to move to the Stadium of Light in an attempt to increase his chances of securing regular first-team football.

The defender, who does not count towards Sunderland’s salary cap because of his age, will plug the gap created by long-term injuries to Morgan Feeney, who will be sidelined for the next four months, and Arbenit Xhemajli, who has already been ruled out of the rest of the season.

“It’s a massive club, and I hope I can contribute to a successful campaign,” said Sanderson. “I enjoyed my first-team experience with Cardiff City last season, and I believe this is the best opportunity for me to build on that.

“I can play right-back or centre-back – I just love defending and I love tackling. I can’t wait to get started.”

Sanderson made ten first-team appearances for Cardiff last season, having made his first-team debut for Wolves in an EFL Cup tie against Aston Villa in October 2019.

“I’m pleased to welcome Dion to the club,” said Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson. “He’s a young and athletic player who will add further competition to the squad.”

Sanderson will meet up with his new team-mates for the first time on Monday as he is not eligible for Sunderland’s trip to Swindon Town this afternoon.

The Black Cats could potentially have done with him at the County Ground as left-back Denver Hume is a doubt after jarring his knee in training earlier this week.

Sunderland (3-4-3): Burge; Willis, Wright, Flanagan; O’Nien, Leadbitter, Power, Gooch; Maguire, Graham, O’Brien.