Altidore completes Sunderland move

Sunderland have completed the signing of striker Jozy Altidore from AZ Alkmaar.

The United States international has formalised his move to the Stadium of Light from the Eredivisie side on a four-year deal after completing a medical.

He becomes manager Paolo Di Canio’s latest signing ahead of the 2013-14 Premier League season, joining fellow newcomers Duncan Watmore, David Moberg Karlsson, Cabral, Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge and Vito Mannone.

A statement on the club’s official website on Tuesday read: “Sunderland AFC have confirmed the signing of US striker Jozy Altidore from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

“(He) is set to join up with Head Coach Paolo Di Canio and his new team-mates at their training camp in Italy on Tuesday.”

Altidore moves for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £8.5 million (€10 million), with the deal bringing to an end Di Canio’s lengthy pursuit of a player who was identified as one of his main close-season transfer targets.

The 23-year-old has excelled for AZ since joining the club from Villarreal in 2011, scoring 38 goals in 67 appearances, and helping them to qualify for the UEFA Europa League last term.

That form has now prompted Sunderland to hand the American – who began his career in Major League Soccer with New York Red Bulls – another chance to impress in the Premier League, where he spent time on loan in 2009-10 with Hull City, scoring one goal in 28 league appearances.