Black Cats seal Johnson deal

Sunderland have signed Leeds United's Simon Johnson on a one-month loan deal.

The 21-year-old was expected to feature more prominently this term for The Whites, but has yet to play under manager Kevin Blackwell.

Blackwell has opted for the likes of Brian Deane, Michael Ricketts and Julian Joachim, but as yet none have found the back of the net.

Leeds have blocked Johnson from playing against The Whites, when the sides clash later this month, as well as in the Carling Cup to prevent him from being cup-tied.

Johnson will become the third player to depart Elland Road on loan, with Martin Woods having joined Hartlepool and Andy Keogh leaving for a spell with Scunthorpe.