DENVER HUME has signed a new deal to remain with Sunderland, ending a summer-long saga over his future.

The full-back, whose original Black Cats deal expired at the end of last season, has signed a new two-year deal at the Stadium of Light, with the club having the option of extending the contract by a further 12 months.

Hume, who has made 63 senior Sunderland appearances, said: "I’m pleased to have signed a new deal after a long summer and now my focus is on working hard and getting back to full fitness.

"I feel in good shape and I’ve been back out on the grass for a while now, so it’s just about getting that match fitness under my belt and kicking on from there.”

Hume will compete with Dennis Cirkin for the left-back slot, with Niall Huggins and Dan Neil also able to play on the left of the defence if required.

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson said: "Our only regret is that this wasn’t completed sooner, but we are delighted to have retained another quality player to our squad.

"He is a player that I’m very excited to work with because I see his strengths and his weaknesses, but more than anything I see a young man with high potential.

"If he is a good student and is consistent in approach, as he always has been since day one, then I believe we can iron out his flaws and turn his strengths into super-strengths.

"He has a wonderful vehicle here with a great set of staff that want to help him in every way, so his challenge now is to keep improving.”