Sunderland AFC have completed the signing of Tom Flanagan from Burton Albion.

The defender, who made 27 appearances in the Sky Bet Championship last season, has signed a two-year deal,

Flanagan becomes Jack Ross’ fourth signing of the summer, following Alim Ozturk, Jon McLaughlin and Chris Maguire to the Stadium of Light.

Speaking about the signing, Ross said: “First and foremost, I think he’s at an age, and at a stage in his career, where he feels he’s not quite achieved what he can do given his ability, so this is an opportunity for him to reach his potential.

“He can help us improve as a team and beyond that, what he gives me as a manager is really good versatility because he can play anywhere across the back four which will be important as the season goes on.

“I’ve spoken previously about how it’s important to have players who not only have experience in this division but have been successful in it, and he’s gained promotion from the league before so that will stand us in good stead.”

The 26-year-old started his career with Milton Keynes Dons, progressing through the ranks at Stadium MK, and captaining the under-18s, before making 45 first-team appearances for the club.

As a youngster, he spent time on loan with Kettering Town, Gillingham, Barnet, Stevenage and Plymouth Argyle before signing a permanent deal at the Pirelli Stadium in August 2015.

Flanagan played 20 times for Burton during their 2015-16 promotion winning season, turning out alongside fellow new recruit Jon McLaughlin.

He went on to play 75 league games for the Brewers and earned senior international recognition, with his Northern Ireland debut coming in June 2017 against New Zealand.