Sunderland have clinched the £1 million signing of Aberdeen captain Russell Anderson.
Anderson, who has nine Scotland caps, has signed a three-year deal with the Wearside club.
Aberdeen's director of football Willie Miller confirmed more than one club had been interested in buying the player.
"While it's a blow to lose a player of Russell's ability, we always knew that if he was going to move, it would be to the Premiership," Miller told the club website.
"There was interest from other clubs and another offer on the table, but from a Championship side - and that was knocked back by both the club and the player.
"As part of the deal, Russell was due a fee but he's relinquished that, in order that it goes towards youth development here at Aberdeen."
