Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won has joined German side Augsburg on loan until the end of the season.

The striker signed for the Black Cats in the summer of 2011 from Korean side Chunnam Dragons, but struggled to secure a regular starting berth despite scoring the winner against eventual champions Manchester City at the Stadium of Light in January 2012.

That goal proved to be the highlight of last season for the South Korea international, who made 21 Premier League appearances in total in 2011-12 but has not featured during this campaign.

The addition of top scorer Steven Fletcher has seen Ji fall out of contention for a first-team place, and the 21-year-old will now attempt to find regular football with Augsburg, who sit second from bottom of the Bundesliga having scored just 12 league goals this term.

Stefan Reuter, managing director of FCA Sports, told Augsburg’s official website: “It’s good that the transfer worked out before the start of training.

“Ji Dong-won can be used in several positions.”