CONFIRMED: Ex-Newcastle keeper Steve Harper joins Sunderland on short-term deal

Easington-born Harper has agreed to join the Black Cats as third-choice stopper behind Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone after this week’s departure of Costel Pantilimon to Watford.

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce is understood to have first made contact with Harper last month over the possibility of moving to the Stadium of Light after he was a free agent following his release by Hull City last summer.

And Harper - who made almost 200 appearances during 10 years with Newcastle - has been persuaded to join Sunderland as a back-up option.

“Steve will be a positive addition to our goalkeeping stable,” said Allardyce.

“He has vast experience at the top level and that can only be beneficial to Vito and Jordan as they continue to develop.

“He knows the club well and as an Easington lad he needs no introduction to Sunderland.”