NIALL QUINN completed a £1.3 million move from Manchester City to Premiership newcomers Sunderland yesterday.

The Republic of Ireland striker signed a three year contract and will make his debut tomorrow when the club play Leicester a repeat of their opening day fixture of last season.

Niall is very good value at £1.3 million and is a player I have always admired," said manager Peter Reid.

He is good on the ground for a big lad, but speak to anybody he has played with and they will tell you he has got good feet as well.

"He will give us competition up front. Paul Stewart is an exEngland international with Premiership experience, David Kelly is a Republic of Ireland international, Craig Russell was leading goal scorer last season and we've got young Michael Bridges coming through."

Reid is also hoping to sign Bordeaux's goalkeeper Lionel Perez. Perez impressed Reid in a preseason friendly and said. "I am definitely interested. I am talking to his club about a fee."

Former Republic of Ireland international striker John Byrne (35), has joined Beazer Homes League club Crawley Town after being released by Brighton.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson yesterday dismissed Spanish newspaper speculation that he was about to make a move for Barcelona's defender Miguel Nadal.

Ferguson admitted the player nicknamed The Beast of Barcelona was one of several the club had considered during the close season but insisted United were no longer interested in signing the 30 year old Spanish international.

"Nadal is one of many foreign players we had a look at and we made inquiries about him some weeks ago," said Ferguson.