Sunderland signs veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper

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Just days after Black Cats shot-stopper Costel Pantilimon joined Watford on a three-and-a-half year deal, Sunderland has filled the void left by the Romanian international with the signing of veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper.

Harper, 40, has enjoyed a 23-year professional career with 20 years on Newcastle United's books. He's also had loan spells with Bradford City, Gateshead, Stockport County, Hartlepool, Huddersfield Town, and Brighton & Hove Albion, before signing with Hull City in 2013.

The well-traveled netminder has signed a short-term contract with Sunderland that expires at season's end, and will be third in the depth chart behind Vito Mannone and England youth standout Jordan Pickford.

"Steve will be a positive addition to our goalkeeping stable. He has vast experience at the top level and that can only be beneficial to Vito and Jordan as they continue to develop," Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce told the club's website.

"He knows the club well and, as an Easington lad born and bred, he needs no introduction to Sunderland."

Harper will be in the squad for Saturday's visit from Bournemouth, with both sides hoping to stave off relegation.