Danny Graham and Phil Parkinson react as Sunderland confirm striker deal

Graham returns to the Stadium of Light following a three-year spell between 2013 and 2016.

The deal has been in the pipeline for several weeks having trained with the club in recent weeks at the Academy of Light.

And Phil Parkinson has described Graham as an ‘excellent addition’ to the squad.

The 35-year-old former Blackburn Rovers striker has unfinished business on Wearside following a disappointing end to his first spell at the club but he says he is looking forward to the ‘challenge’ ahead.

Graham said: “It’s been in the pipeline for a number of weeks now, so I’m delighted the deal is done and it feels great to be here. I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”

Parkinson added: “I’m delighted to welcome Danny to the club.

"He provides us with another option and more competition at the top end of the pitch, and he is another excellent addition to the squad.”

Graham joined Blackburn in 2016, scoring 52 league goals in 176 appearances with the club.

14 of those goals came during the 2017-18 season, as Graham fired Rovers to promotion from Sky Bet League One.

Graham will be pushing to be involved in the League One opener against Bristol Rovers in a behind-closed-doors clash at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.

He will compete with Will Grigg, Charlie Wyke and Aiden O’Brien for a starting spot.

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