Sunderland have signed Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham.

The full-back or centre-back completed his £3m move from the Potteries earlier in the day to the delight of Black Cats boss Roy Keane.

"I'm pleased that after long negotiations we've signed a player of Danny's quality," Keane told the club's official website.

"I know him personally and he's a great character. He can play at centre-half or left-back so his versatility will be a big plus for us."

Higginbotham started his career with Keane at Manchester United before joining Derby in July 2000 for £2m.

After three-years at Pride Park, he moved to Southampton and made more than 100 appearances for the Saints before joining Stoke last season.