Sunderland sign Declan John from Swansea City on transfer deadline day

Sunderland have completed the loan signing of Swansea City defender Declan John, who becomes their first deadline day addition

Declan John has joined Sunderland on loan from Swansea City until the end of the season.

The left-sided wingback becomes the Black Cats' first deadline day signing, and manager Phil Parkinson's fourth addition of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Kyle Lafferty, Bailey Wright, and Josh Scowen.

The 24-year-old Wales international has been brought in as specialist cover for academy product Denver Hume, but he was signed after the noon cut-off which means he will not be available for Sunderland's game against Portsmouth at Fratton Park tomorrow.

"I'm delighted to get the deal done and to have joined a club of such stature," said John.

"Sunderland has a rich history and the fan base speaks for itself.

"When a club like this comes calling, you don’t say no.

"I'm looking forward to working under the manager and I believe it's a system that will suit me down to the ground.

"I want to play as many games as possible and help the club have a successful season."

Parkinson added: "I'm pleased to welcome Declan to the club.

"He's another good addition to the squad and provides added depth in an area of the pitch we have been working to strengthen.

"Unfortunately he's unavailable this weekend, but we look forward to him joining the squad next week."

John started his career at Cardiff City and made more than 50 appearances for the Bluebirds, including in the Premier League and the Championship.

He spent loan spells in League One with Barnsley and Chesterfield, then at Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, before he moved to Ibrox on a permanent basis in December 2017.

He then returned to Wales with Swansea in the summer of 2018.

John was handed his senior international debut by former Sunderland boss Chris Coleman in 2013, and has been capped seven times by his country.