England U21 striker Connor Wickham has completed move to Sunderland, in a transfer that could cost the Black Cats £12million.

Wickham, 18, had previously been linked with a move to Liverpool but will instead move north to Wearside. Sunderland will pay an initial £8.1m as part of the deal.

“A number of top sides have been chasing Connor for some time now, so naturally we are absolutely delighted he has chosen to come to Sunderland," said Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager.

“He’s still very young, but at 6ft 3in he’s a physical presence. With his height and style of play, he will offer us a threat in front of goal and complement our existing strikers.

“We have been watching him for a while now and he is improving and developing all the time. He’s a great prospect and I’m sure our supporters will love watching him play.”

The Hereford-born forward emerged from the ranks at Portman Road to establish himself in the first team. He scored nine npower Championship goals last season.