Keane makes first summer signing

Premieship newcomers Sunderland have confirmed their successful £3million swoop for Reading utililty player Greg Halford.

The 22-year-old signed a four-year deal after passing a medical on Wearside this morning as the Black Cats' hard work behind the scenes finally paid off.

Keane was delighted to have landed a man who was in the club's sights before he joined Reading from Colchester in January.

He said: "I am delighted Greg has decided to join us and hopefully he will play a big part in what we hope will be a successful few years for the club."

Halford, who managed just three senior appearances for the Royals, was thrilled to be presented with a chance to establish himself in the Premiership.

He said: "It's great to be here. The set-up at Sunderland is phenomenal and I cannot wait to get going. I have had a taste of the Premiership with Reading and I want more."

The 6ft 4in player joined Colchester as a trainee and played a part in the club's promotion to the Championship in 2006. His form at Layer Road won him a £2.5million move to Reading during the winter transfer window.

However, with skipper Graeme Murty first-choice in his position, his chances were limited and he had to make do with two starts and one appearance as a substitute as the club's excellent first Premiership campaign drew to a close.

Sunderland's offer was accepted as manager Steve Coppell handed Ecuador defender Ulises de la Cruz a new 12-month deal.

Keane has been linked with a bewildering list of players since his side surged to the Championship title last season with chairman Niall Quinn's Drumaville consortium having provided him with around £25million to build a squad capable not only of surviving in the top flight, but of making an impact.

The likes of Diego Forlan, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Paul Scholes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and David Nugent have all been the subject of speculation, and while the manager may have bigger-name targets than Halford, he will be delighted to have made a breakthrough at last.

With Stephen Wright injured for much of last season and Nyron Nosworthy having been successfully converted into a central defender, the right-back position was a problem at times for Keane — prior to the arrival of on-loan Manchester United player Danny Simpson, who has now returned to Old Trafford.

The recruitment of an up and coming specialist addresses one of Keane's target areas, and also illustrates his determination to establish a blend of potential and experience within his squad.