Sunderland have announced the double signing of Aiden McGeady and James Vaughan.
Republic of Ireland winger McGeady joins from Everton on a three-year deal and, given how he impressed for Preston in the Championship last season, will offer Sunderland fans hope of an immediate return to the Premier League.
McGeady worked with new boss Simon Grayson during his loan spell at Deepdale, and the manager told his club's official website: "Aiden's career speaks volumes. He's been an exceptional player and was an outstanding performer at Preston last season."
The former Celtic and Spartak Moscow man is joined on Wearside by former Everton striker Vaughan.
? Whatever happened to a good old scarf pic?
Welcome Aiden McGeady and James Vaughan! ?⚪ pic.twitter.com/UdzmQHKuOx— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 13, 2017
He scored 24 goals in 37 appearances for Bury last season and has been widely considered to be better than League One standard.
"James has good experience and he scored a lot of goals last year. He's a player who will come into the squad and give us something different because I think we were missing a striker with a physical presence - and he certainly brings that attribute," Grayson added.
"He's mobile, he knows where the goal is and he fits in with the ethos that we're trying to bring to Sunderland."
As Grayson looks to build a Sunderland squad capable of challenging for promotion, the deals represent good value for the club and are a far cry from the millions spent in the top flight.
It is understood McGeady cost £250,000 and Vaughan £500,000.
It takes Grayson's tally of acquisitions to four and all have links to Everton. Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway moved from Goodison earlier this month while Vaughan started out there in 2004.
