Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck has joined Sunderland on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old has been linked with the Black Cats for much of the summer and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has now allowed Welbeck to leave for Wearside.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is thrilled with the intriguing capture of such a promising youngster who is viewed as a hot prospect at Old Trafford.
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exciting player
He told the club's official website: "Danny's got the world at his feet; he needs games and fortunately Sir Alex has let us borrow him for a year.
"He's slightly different to what we've got already. It's a manager's job to make sure that when we name that 25 on 1st September, it's a squad which is right and well-balanced.
"We've got an exciting player on our hands who is very good with the ball and can beat a man."
Welbeck goes straight into the squad for Saturday's opening Barclays Premier League fixture at home to Birmingham City.
He told the official club website: "I'm delighted to be able to come to Sunderland - I've come here to get some experience and I'm looking forward to it.
"Sunderland are a big club. They have been in the Premier League for a few years now. I'm hungry and determined to make an impression here."
Welbeck made five Barclays Premier League appearances for United last season before joining Preston North End on loan.
He was taken on United's pre-season tour of North America but Sir Alex Ferguson decided Welbeck needed further first-team experience.
He felt the striker would benefit from more opportunities to play regularly in the Barclays Premier League and so accepted Sunderland's offer.
close friend
There were plenty of clubs hoping to take him on loan this season but he opted for the Black Cats after positive discussions with former United defender Bruce. He was also swayed by his friendship with Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell.
He added: "A few Premier League clubs were interested in taking me on loan.
"I spoke to Steve Bruce a few times on the phone and the words he got across to me persuaded me to come here.
"When I knew Sunderland were interested I didn't really look back and I'm looking forward to giving it my all here.
"Fraizer's a close friend, I know Phil Bardsley and John Mensah, plus Nedum Onuoha from the England set-up - there's a few familiar faces here and I'm looking forward to it.
"It's always nice to have familiar faces around. I'm sure it will help me to settle in quicker.
"I met everyone this morning and everyone around the place seems friendly and happy to help."
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