Sunderland have completed the signing of goalkeeper Alex Bass - with Black Cats boss Alex Neil immediately challenging him to push Anthony Patterson for the number one spot. Bass has joined Sunderland from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee, with the 24-year-old signing an initial three-year deal on Wearside with the Black Cats having the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
Bass said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be here and as soon as I heard about the opportunity to come to Sunderland, I was desperate to take it. This is a massive club and the move represents a great chance for me to test myself in the Championship, which is filled with talented players.
"Sunderland had a great run last season and to earn promotion through the play-offs is always tough, so it shows there is a great bunch of lads here. I went out on loan [to Bradford City] earlier this year and it was important to get out there and play games, but now I want to push on and I'm excited to play my part at the Stadium of Light."
