Manchester United: 07/11/09

Report by Nick Coppack

Striker Fraizer Campbell has left Old Trafford to join Sunderland.

The England U21 international became Steve Bruce's first signing as Black Cats boss on Saturday and told SAFC TV "it was an easy decision to make".

Sunderland have agreed to pay United an initial fee of £3.5million, rising to a maximum of £6m over the course of the deal.

"Sunderland are an ambitious club who are going to go forward with the financial backing they have here," Campbell said.

"I know they are looking to bring in quality alongside some very good existing players."

Campbell, 21, made only one senior start for the Reds after signing as a schoolboy in July 2004 but caught the eye on loan at Hull City in 2007/08 when his impressive goal tally (15 in 32 starts) helped propel the Tigers into top-flight football.

He spent much of last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur (he moved to White Hart Lane when the Reds bought Dimitar Berbatov) where he made 21 appearances.

"I would have liked to have played more last season, but every experience is a learning experience," he said.

"I want to take what I learned at Spurs last year and apply it during the next four years [at Sunderland]."

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce said several clubs had been chasing Campbell.

"We’re delighted to have signed such a promising young footballer,” the former United defender said. “We’re very pleased he’s chosen to join Sunderland.

“Fraizer's already shown what a fantastic talent he is, but we hope this move will take him to another level.

"We need quality and competition right across the pitch and he’s the type of player who can really excite our fans."