Gibson & Oviedo sign for Sunderland

Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson has signed an 18-month deal to join Sunderland.

Sunderland have paid Everton a £7.5m transfer for the 29-year-old midfielder and his Toffees team-mate Bryan Oviedo, who has signed a three-and-a-half deal at the Stadium of Light.

The Derryman will link up again with David Moyes, who,as Everton manager, signed him from Manchester United in January 2012.

Gibson put pen to paper on a new two-year deal last summer but has played just EFL Cup match for the Goodison Park side this season.

Speaking on Monday morning, before the deal had been finalised, Moyes said: "Every player coming into Sunderland is a bit of a gamble. We could not get an absolute nailed-on player, I do not think that is the case. I made that clear although I may not have expressed it that well but that is what I was trying to say .

"But if I get Bryan, I will be really happy . He is a good player, and I am happy with Darron as well."

Moyes hopes the pair "will make a difference" in Sunderland's fight to escape relegation. The Black Cats lie bottom of the Premier League table, three points off safety, after 22 matches.

"There have been players I wanted, but have not been able to attract. But I am looking forward to getting a couple of new faces in," he continued.

"Hopefully, it will freshen it up, bring in something new. If the two boys come in today, they are both good characters, good types and we will enjoy having them around. Hopefully they can make a bit of a difference."

Moyes previously signed another Goodison Park old boy, defender Joleon Lescott, on a free transfer earlier in January following his release from Greek side AEK Athens.

The Scot also signed former Everton old boys Steven Pienaar and Victor Anichebe on free transfers earlier in the season.

Photo Getty Images/Stephen Pond

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