ARSENAL youngster Daniel Ballard has completed a transfer to Sunderland.
The defender, 22, has signed a three-year deal with the option of an extra year with the recently promoted Black Cats.
He spent last season on loan at Millwall where he made 33 appearances, impressing Sunderland boss Alex Neil.
Ballard failed to make a senior appearance for the Gunners and also spent time on loan at Swindon and Blackpool.
Upon signing he told Sunderland’s official website: “It feels amazing to be here and I’m extremely happy.
“The fanbase and size of this football club speaks for itself and having been up here to have a look around, it feels like an exciting place to be.
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“Supporters can expect to see a player who loves defending and tackling.
“I’m more of a traditional centre-half and I want to add those qualities to the team, while also bringing something a little extra.”
Ballard had been poised to join Burnley after completing a medical but failed to agree terms with the Clarets.
That opened up the chance for Sunderland to pounce and Neil is delighted to have snapped up the centre-back.
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He said of Ballard: “He fits the bill and he also knows what it takes to win, sampling success with Blackpool in the play-offs before having a year under his belt [in the second tier] with Millwall last season.
“We are really pleased to get this deal over the line.”
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