Sunderland have made their first significant signing of the summer after completing a deal for attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard.

The 28-year-old joins the Black Cats on a two-year contract with Sunderland fighting off competition from a number of clubs to convince Pritchard to make the move to the North-East.

It was understood that Pritchard had held talks with Birmingham City and Derby County but after positive discussions with Sunderland, Pritchard has decided a move to Lee Johnson's side would help reignite his career.

The capture of Pritchard is a considerable coup, with the former £11m-rated playmaker available as a free agent following his release from Huddersfield Town.

Having spent two years with Norwich City after rising through the youth ranks at Tottenham, Pritchard’s career looked to be on a rapid rise when he joined Huddersfield for a reported £11m in 2018.

However, things did not go to plan at the John Smith’s Stadium, with the 28-year-old failing to successfully establish himself with the Championship side.

In total, he made 80 senior appearances for the Terriers, but he struggled to hold down a first-team spot last season and was released at the end of the campaign.

Pritchard told the club website: "It’s great to be here and it’s another good opportunity for me on the football road, so I’m ready to get going.

"There were other offers out there, but it’s crucial for me to be with a Head Coach that knows me as a player, and as a person, and has a playing style that suits me.

"The club speaks for itself – you see the stadium, the training ground, the fans – and I just think this could be a great fit.”

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson added: "We are absolutely delighted to bring in a player of Alex’s pedigree because it’s not often that you get the opportunity to sign a player of this quality in League One.

"It’s our job to wrap around him to make sure he can be the best he can possibly be, but he’s made a lot of sacrifices to come to Sunderland and I think that shows a great desire to play for the fans, for me and for the club."