Sunderland AFC transfer news: Blackburn Rovers sign Graham, Subotic to leave Dortmund, Dzeko latest

The 30-year-old former Sunderland AFC striker was a free agent after his contract at the Stadium of Light had expired.

And the forward has now returned to Rovers, where he spent the second half of last season on loan.

Graham went on loan to Ewood Park in January, scoring seven goals in 18 games.

A Rovers statement said: "Rovers are delighted to announce that striker Danny Graham has completed a permanent move to the club.

"The former Sunderland forward, who became a fans favourite on loan at Ewood Park during the second half of last season, has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year."

Rovers boss Owen Coyle had previously admitted he would love to take the Gateshead-born striker back to Blackburn.

Coyle said: "He’s an outstanding player, somebody I’ve always liked, and that’s all relative to what we can do."

For the latest Sunderland AFC news click here:

Meanwhile, club legend Sebastiano Nela has said Roma should avoid selling Edin Dzeko to Sunderland.

The former Manchester City striker has been linked with a shock summer move to the Stadium of Light this summer, with manager Sam Allardyce keen to bolster his attacking options.

Ex-Roma full-back Nela, who made over 250 appearances for the club, has urged manager Luciano Spalletti to persist with the Bosnian, report talkSPORT.

He told Tutto Mercato: "I think Spalletti is the man to give him a second chance.

"Historically it is always a struggle in the first year and in the season just ended he suffered a bit in his relationship with [Francesco] Totti.

"To fumble with him is the wrong move, indeed, because to find a player of that level is really complicated."

For the latest Sunderland AFC news click here:

Meanwhile, reported Sunderland target Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic is to leave the club this summer.

The Serbian defender is keen to move to the Premier League and a season-long loan or a cut-price fee are two options attractive to Sunderland.

The 27 -year-old central defender - who made just 11 appearances last season - is unhappy with the lack of game time under coach Thomas Tuchel.

"We will treat Neven situation with the necessary and deserved respect," said BVB sporting director Michael Zorc.

And finally, Sunderland’s pursuit of Yann M’Vila could drag on, with the Black Cats haggling over a transfer fee with Rubin Kazan.

Last season’s loanee M’Vila is now back in Russia after ironing out the visa issues which had delayed his return to parent club Kazan earlier this week.

But M’Vila’s stint in Russia is expected to be brief, with all parties agreeing that the Frenchman will leave the club this summer, and Sunderland eager to bring him back to the Stadium of Light.