Roberge completes Sunderland move

Maritimo defender Valentin Roberge today completed his move to Sunderland.

The 25-year-old Frenchman became the latest man to join Paolo Di Canio’s Wearside revolution after his contract with the Madeira club expired.

Roberge, who has signed a three-year deal, played in both Maritimo’s Europa League group games against the Black Cats’ derby rivals Newcastle last season.

Born in Montreuil, Roberge began his career at Guingamp before moving to Paris St Germain.

The 6ft 1in defender spent two years in Greece with Aris before sealing his move to Maritimo, where he made 32 appearances last season, in 2010.

Roberge follows youngsters Duncan Watmore and David Moberg Karlsson into the club with Di Canio making wholesale changes in both the senior and development ranks.