Keeper finally signs on the dotted line

Sunderland have finally closed the deal to secure the signature of Hearts keeper Craig Gordon, in a deal worth up to £9 million.

Gordon apparently agreed personal terms and passed a medical on Tuesday but it took most of Wednesday to finalise the paperwork.

The player said, "I could not turn down a chance to play in the English Premier League. I wanted to try the Premier League at some point and this is a great opportunity to do that".

Roy Keane said, "He's a top goalkeeper and he'll be a massive asset for us...Craig is a big signing for Sunderland".

A statement for Hearts said, "Craig has been a fantastic professional...whilst we are extremely disappointed to see him leave Tynecastle, we know what a fantastic opportunity this is for him".

As a parting gift to Hearts, Craig has left them the shirt which he wore in his final match with them, against FC Barcelona. The shirt has been autographed by Craig and will be auctioned to raise money for the club's own charity.

The only minor cloud on the horizon is that the player needs to pass a fitness test on a shoulder injury before he makes his debut in red and white.

Gordon has played 192 matches for Hearts since he joined in 1999.

The signing represents a record fee paid by SAFC and is the UK record paid for a keeper, beating the fee of just under £8 million that Man Utd paid for Fabian Barthez seven years ago.

Craig Gordon
DOB 31 December 1982
Birthplace - Edinburgh
Height 6 ft 4 ins
International caps - 24