Black Cats capture Cuellar

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of defender Carlos Cuellar on a two-year contract following his release by Aston Villa.

Defender signs two-year contract after leaving Aston Villa

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of defender Carlos Cuellar on a two-year contract following his release by Aston Villa. Cuellar was allowed to leave Villa Park at the end of his contract and his move to Sunderland sees the Spaniard reunited with Martin O'Neill. The 30-year-old was signed for Villa from Rangers in 2008 during O'Neill's spell at the helm and he made over 120 appearances while with the Midlands club. He was linked with a return to his former team Osasuna, while the likes of Valencia, Galatasaray and Olympiakos were also rumoured to be interested. However, Sunderland were always the favourites to capture Cuellar and he has now finalised his switch to the Stadium of Light. Capable of playing at centre-half or right-back, Cuellar becomes Sunderland's first signing of the summer following the opening of the transfer window.