SUNDERLAND beat Crystal Palace, Stoke City and a host of clubs in Europe to the signing of Nectarios Triantis thanks to a personal touch in negotiations and setting out a clear vision for the defender on Wearside.

Recruitment chief Stuart Harvey made the trip to Australia earlier this year with a few potential targets in mind but after being struck by Triantis' quality for Central Coast Mariners, Sunderland quickly set about holding talks with the player's representatives.

Harvey and Sunderland were put in touch with Buddy Farah, a player representative based in Sydney, and although other clubs were interested, the Black Cats charmed the young defender in an impressive Zoom call, report FTBL in Australia.

Crystal Palace were keen but wanted to send Triantis out on loan if they won the race to sign him, while Sunderland made it clear the 20-year-old will be part of the first team picture at the Stadium of Light once he's settled.

Boss Tony Mowbray is said to have been involved in the discussions with the young defender, who enjoyed a superb breakthrough season for the A-League winning Central Coast Mariners this past season.

Sunderland's Championship rivals Stoke City were also said to have been keen on Triantis, as well as clubs from Germany, Denmark, Greece and Norway.

Agent Farah told FTBL: “There is no doubt that Nectar has a big future ahead, and I’m sure the name Triantis will be spoken about for years to come.

“He deserves this move and despite a number of other serious options this ticked a lot of boxes.

“Sunderland has been very professional in the process and have a very good head coach in Tony Mowbray who ironically played as a centre back.”

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Triantis will link up with Sunderland after his involvement in the Maurice Revello Tournament with Australia's Under-23s.

Tony Vidmar, boss of the Australia Under-23s, this week described the £300,000 fee as a "bargain" while Englishman Nick Montgomery, manager of the Mariners, told of his pride in the young defender.

He said: “Whilst we are obviously sad to be losing Nectar, we are so happy for him to be given this opportunity to join such a fantastic club like Sunderland. We would never hold him back from a move like this as he deserves it.

“Their fans are amazing and it’s a massive club. I have no doubt with time he will become a fan favourite for them. He is a wonderful young man who has developed rapidly in 12 months and played a vital role in helping us win the championship this season.”