Sunderland have completed the signing of Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan on a free transfer.
• O’Shea signs for Sunderland
• Brown seals switch
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Transfer Blog
Vaughan, 28, had been offered a new contract by the Tangerines but turned them down in order to remain in the Premier League on a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.
The Wales international was one of the stars of Blackpool’s rollercoaster season in the top flight, starting 35 games. Vaughan, who began his career at Crewe Alexandra before spending a season at Real Sociedad under Chris Coleman, joined Blackpool in 2008 and spent three seasons with the club.
He is Steve Bruce‘s ninth summer signing, following Wes Brown and John O’Shea in a busy 24 hours. He joins fellow midfielders Ahmed Elmohamady, Craig Gardner and Sebastian Larsson among the newcomers in a department which this summer has lost Jordan Henderson to Liverpool, Bolo Zenden at the end of his contract and Sulley Muntari following a disappointing loan spell.
Bruce has also landed goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and O’Shea and Brown at the back and strikers Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce told the club’s official website: “David was excellent throughout last season, including both games against us, so it’s only natural that he caught the attention of a number of top clubs.
“We’re delighted that he sees his future at Sunderland. His experience, grit and energy in midfield will be valuable assets to us and we’re now looking forward to him joining up with the squad for pre-season training.”
Last month Vaughan said of his decision to quit Blackpool: ”It was a very good offer and it was a tough decision, but I just want to stay in the Premier League and test myself at the highest level. ‘It was unfortunate that we couldn’t quite stay up last season and that was a big disappointment.
”My three years at Blackpool have been great and if it wasn’t for Blackpool I may never have played in the Premier League, so I have a lot to thank the club and the manager (Ian Holloway) for. He has changed things around and I’ll always look back on my time with fond memories.
”It’s a tough decision to move because my family are settled in the area, but hopefully things will work out well wherever we end up.”
