McCartney returns to Black Cats

Defender George McCartney has rejoined Sunderland on a five-year contract from West Ham for an undisclosed fee, the club have announced on their website.

The left-back returns to the Stadium of Light after two years with the Hammers to become manager Roy Keane’s 10th signing of the summer, joining the likes of Djibril Cisse, El-Hadji Diouf, and Northern Ireland team-mate David Healy.

The 27-year-old will also link up with former Hammers team-mate Anton Ferdinand, who moved to Wearside last week.

Manager Keane told the club’s official website, www.safc.com: “It’s great to be able to bring George back to Sunderland.

“I’ve made no secret of the positions I’ve been looking to strengthen and a left-back was one of my priorities, I’m delighted.

“George’s experience will prove invaluable and he shouldn’t take long to settle in as he knows a lot of the lads already and obviously he knows the club inside out.

“I’m happy with my squad now. We have strength in depth and healthy competition for places in all areas.

“I’m looking forward to getting on with the season.”