SUNDERLAND: Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan completed his move to English Premier League club Sunderland for a club record fee of over 13 million pounds (15.7 million euros) on Tuesday.

Gyan agreed a four-year contract with Steve Bruce`s side in a deal which shatters the club`s previous record when they signed Darren Bent from Tottenham for 10 million pounds (12 million euros) in 2009.The 24-year-old`s move was announced 20 minutes before the transfer window in England shut at 1700GMT.

"Sunderland have broken their transfer record to sign Ghanaian World Cup star Asamoah Gyan from French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes," a statement on the club`s website confirmed.

"Gyan arrives on Wearside for a fee in excess of 13 million pounds - more than Sunderland chief Steve Bruce paid to acquire Darren Bent from Tottenham last year."

Gyan boosted his reputation with some fine displays at the World Cup scoring three goals, although his tournament ended on a low note when he missed a last-minute penalty against Uruguay that would have sent Ghana into the semi-finals.

The Accra-born star has netted 22 times in 44 international appearances and his move to the Premier League should be eased by the presence at Sunderland of Ghana team-mate John Mensah, who is loan from French club Lyon.

Gyan could make his Sunderland debut at Wigan on September 11 in the team`s next game after the international break.

He is already looking forward to playing in the local derby against Newcastle and told the club`s website: "It`s been a long day, but finally I`m happy to be here.

"My family is in England already and I am happy this is the right place for me.
"The Sunderland coach has faith in me because he has been following me for two years now. I am pleased I have the opportunity to come to England.

"I follow English football and I know Sunderland have incredible fans.
"I especially know about the derby when they play against Newcastle. That is something incredible. I have witnessed that myself."

Gyan`s arrival was perfectly timed as Bruce learned on Tuesday that striker Fraizer Campbell will be sidelined for at least six months after rupturing cruciate knee ligaments.

BDST: 0441 HRS, SEPTEMBER 01, 2010