Sunderland complete Kilgallon swoop
Sunderland have signed Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon for an undisclosed fee.
Steve Bruce has made Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon his first signing of the January transfer window.
Kilgallon, 26, has signed a three and a half year deal with the Black Cats after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.
Most often employed as a centre-back, Kilgallon is also comfortable operating on the left-hand side of defence.
Kilgallon came through Leeds' youth system and made 95 appearances for the Elland Road club - in addition to a further four during a brief loan spell at West Ham - prior to a £2m move to Bramall Lane in January 2007.
He collected the Blades' Player of the Season Award in 2008-09 and passed a century of appearances for the club during the current campaign.
Kilgallon - Bruce's ninth signing overall as Sunderland manager - has represented England at Under-21 level on five occasions.
Speaking to safc.com after tying up the deal, manager Bruce said: Matthew is a very talented defender and has been coveted by a number of top-flight clubs recently, so I'm very pleased to have brought him here.
"He will add to our options across the back ahead of some very important games. I'm sure he'll prove to be a great signing for the club."
The player will be unavailable for this Saturday's trip to Portsmouth as he has already appeared in the FA Cup for Sheffield United this season.
