Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill tonight completed his second deadline-day swoop when he signed defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos on loan for the remainder of the season.

Sunderland have parted company with manager Steve Bruce after chairman Ellis Short described results this season as "simply not good enough."

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has been suspended by the club as investigations continue into allegations of sexual assault and possession of a class A drug.

Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson has no intention of leaving the club during the summer.

Sunderland have today completed a deal to bring Ghana defender John Mensah back to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland today found themselves at the centre of a flurry of transfer speculation as manager Steve Bruce and chairman Niall Quinn worked on their targets.

Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 2

Sunderland 0 Aston Villa 0 (AET, Villa win 3-1 on penalties)

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has denied reports that the Drumaville consortium lost money through its brief involvement in the club.

Sunderland have parted company with reserve-team coach Kevin Richardson.

Sunderland have tied up the immediate future of teenage defender Dan Smith after he signed a one-year contract.

Sunderland 1 Fulham 2

Sunderland 1 West Ham 1

Sunderland have clinched the signing of one of their major transfer targets as Blackburn striker Jon Stead has completed a £1.8m move to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Thomas Butler has signed a new three-year contract.

Sunderland midfielder Gavin McCann has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2006.

Sunderland v West Brom

Sunderland are offering fans the chance to sign for the club for one season.