Former Sunderland football chief Roberto De Fanti has defended their swoop for Jozy Altidore.
Altidore was offloaded to MLS last month after a dismal experience on Wearside.
De Fanti told the Evening Chronicle: "We tried to get (Romelu) Lukaku, he went elsewhere and our next best option was Jozy Altidore.
"We were convinced he was going to do well. Forty-four goals in two years in Holland, a star of the USA team at a young age and with the characteristics requested by Paolo (Di Canio).
"Our transfers were dictated by the books. English players were just too expensive for us.
"Our net spend at Sunderland was £7m. Cardiff (City) and Fulham had over £30m. They were both relegated and we stayed up. Nobody pointed that out."
