England midfielder Kieran Richardson has signed for Sunderland from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old signed a four-year deal with the Wearsiders after successfully coming through a medical this morning.

He could now make his Sunderland debut in Wednesday's friendly with Darlington.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane who played alongside Richardson at Old Trafford said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland.

"Having worked with him in the past I'm well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is. He's ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him."

Richardson spent 2004-05 on loan at West Brom and was instrumental in Albion's last-gasp escape from top-flight relegation.

Then manager Bryan Robson was keen to retain his services but he opted to stay at Old Trafford, where he failed to play more than a peripheral role over the next two seasons.

That did not stop him earning an England call-up in May 2005 and he scored a brace on his debut against the USA. He has amassed eight caps since.

Richardson added: "It's an exciting move for me. I know all about Roy Keane and I'm looking forward to playing for his team.

"Sunderland is a big club and it's a great move for me."

The midfielder is Keane's fourth signing this summer after Greg Halford, Russell Anderson and Michael Chopra.