Björklund completes Sunderland switch

'Completed on Monday'
Björklund, 30, passed a medical on Monday and subsequently signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the option of a further year. "It's gone incredibly quickly," he said. Björklund, however, was not signed in time to make his debut against Middlesbrough FC on Tuesday and now looks likely to make his first start for the club at Manchester United FC on Saturday.


Eriksson consulted
Manager Peter Reid told the club's official website that he had consulted two other Swedes, Björklund's former international colleague Stefan Schwarz and England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, prior to approaching the player. "Joachim is quick, strong and a very good player," said Reid. "He's one I know a lot about. It's fair to say that I've been looking for a striker but Joachim will be a good addition to our squad. I asked Stefan about him and I also had a word with Sven and they both had good things to say. He has always impressed me when I've watched him."

Back with Schwarz
According to Björklund, Venezia, who remain bottom of Serie A despite drawing with Internazionale FC on Sunday, are looking to offload older players with expensive contracts. The Swede, who has 78 caps, has previously played for Spain's Valencia CF and Rangers FC in Scotland.