Double swoop by Sunderland

Sunderland AFC ended their search for a striker today by signing two of them, Tore Andre Flo and Marcus Stewart, for a combined fee of €15.7m.

Double move
Norwegian international Flo moves to the Premiership club from Scotland's Rangers FC, while Stewart has joined from first division Ipswich Town FC. Sunderland manager Peter Reid was under pressure to find a new partner for England forward Kevin Phillips after the team finished 17th in the league table last season, avoiding relegation by one place.

Keane failure
Reid recently failed to recruit Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane from Leeds United AFC after the two clubs had agreed a fee, and Sunderland had been linked with a number of other strikers around Europe.

Successful spell
The 29-year-old Flo, who has signed a three-year deal, enjoyed a successful spell in England with Chelsea FC before joining Rangers less than two years ago. Reid said: "Tore is a good player and I'm delighted to finally get him. I think people are well aware of his qualities. He has the ability to create chances, is good in the air and is a good finisher."

Flo 'very happy'
Flo, who has scored 21 goals in 63 games for Norway, said: "I'm very happy to be joining Sunderland and am looking forward to playing in the Premiership again."

Injury problems
Stewart, also 29, scored 19 top-flight goals in the 2000/01 season after joining Ipswich from Huddersfield Town FC, but he struggled with injuries in 2001/02 as the club were relegated.