Sunderland Sign Former Arsenal Striker Anthony Stokes for £2m

Anthony Stokes has quit Arsenal to join Sunderland in a £2m deal. Stokes, the 18-year-old striker, shot to prominence during a spectacular loan spell at Falkirk earlier this season, which yielded 16 goals in 18 games.

The loan ended on January 2 and sparked a race for his signature among several clubs, but Stokes opted for promotion-chasing Sunderland. Roy Keane's ambition helped persuade Stokes to sign a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

"I spoke to Roy Keane about everything; he told me his hopes for the club, and it made up my mind," said Stokes, who could make his debut this weekend against Ipswich. "I'm excited about the move and it's brilliant to be here. It has been a hectic few days, sorting things out, and now I'm looking forward to training and playing."

Stokes became the first player to fire back-to-back hat-tricks in the SPL after netting three against Dundee United and then Dunfermline in October. He is the fourth player to arrive at Sunderland since the transfer window opened: he joins Carlos Edwards, signed from Luton for £1.4m, goalkeeper Marton Fulop from Tottenham and Jonny Evans on loan from Manchester United.

Keane, whose side lie three places adrift of the play-off places, said: "I'm delighted that Anthony has decided to join us. We've beaten off competition from a number of high-profile clubs for someone who is a good, young player who can hopefully help us in our push for promotion."