Flop £2m Sunderland signing completes loan move to Championship club

The Echo revealed earlier this week that Matthews was on the verge of rejoining the Robins after spending the final two months of last season on loan at Ashton Gate.

The Welsh international has been training with Sunderland Under-21s during pre-season, with no prospect of a second chance at the Stadium of Light after just two first-team appearances since his £2million move from Celtic 12 months ago.

After several weeks of talks, Bristol City have now landed Matthews on a season-long loan, with no possibility of a recall by Sunderland.

"I’m pleased to have Adam back with us. He did very well at the back end of last season and certainly fits the bill in terms of quality and experience at this level," said Bristol City boss Lee Johnson.

“He’s still a good age. I know he enjoyed his time here last season and was delighted to come back, and I know the fans really took to him as well.”

Matthews is the third player considered surplus to requirements by Sunderland to leave the club this summer after the Black Cats banked £3.5m from the sales of Santiago Vergini and Emanuele Giaccherini.

Sunderland are still striving to find new employers for Will Buckley, Liam Bridcutt, Jordi Gomez and Charis Mavrias.