Lyle Taylor opts for Charlton but Stewart Donald expects Sunderland to do business this week

The former AFC Wimbledon forward was available on a free transfer and chairman Stewart Donald confirmed Sunderland's interest last week.

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer said he was delighted to sign one of the top forwards in the division.

He said: "He’s my first signing as a manager and what a signing it is. He was our main target in the summer.

“He obviously had interest from other clubs. There was a big club in our division that made him a much better offer and I think it just shows the lad’s attitude to come to us. His decision to come was based on football, simple as that, and I think that shows where we are as a club and the stature we’ve got.”

“He’s a top striker in this division,” he added.

“He scores goals. He’s the all-around striker. He runs in behind, holds the ball up, wins his headers. He’s got everything. For him to bring the goals with the chances we are creating, I’m expecting big things from him and I’m sure he is himself.”

Taylor said he was looking forward to the challenge.

"I’m really looking forward to getting started and seeing where we can go this year," he said.

“It’s going to be a challenge, this is a difficult league, but we’re going to do everything we can to get out of it.

“I’ll fight and scrap and do everything I can to get points for the team. My job is to put the ball in the back of the net, but if it means I’ll have to throw my weight around, I will do whatever is necessary.”

Despite missing out on Taylor, Donald said in twitter that there will be 'ins and outs this week'.

The first team squad have reported back for pre-season training today.