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Sunderland sign Newcastle stalwart Steve Harper

Steve Harper in tears as he plays his final match for Newcastle in May 2013
Image: Steve Harper was in tears when he played his final match for Newcastle

Sunderland have signed former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper on a deal until the end of the season.

The 40-year-old has been brought in as cover for Vito Mannone and Jordan Pickford following Costel Pantilimon's move to Watford.

Harper spent 20 years with Sunderland's bitter rivals and was in tears on the pitch when he made his 157th and final league appearance for the club in May 2013.

He spent much of that time as understudy to Shay Given and went on to join Hull City, where he remained until last summer.

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce said: "Steve will be a positive addition to our goalkeeping stable. He has vast experience at the top level and that can only be beneficial to Vito and Jordan as they continue to develop.

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"He knows the club well and, as an Easington lad born and bred, he needs no introduction to Sunderland."

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