Ex-Rovers winger Ian Poveda has joined Sunderland on a three-year deal following his departure from Leeds.

Sheffield Wednesday and Luton had also been linked with the 24-year-old but the Black Cats won the battle to secure his signature.

Poveda becomes Sunderland's third addition of the summer as new boss Regis Le Bris puts his stamp on the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

He told the club website: “All I want to do is get on the pitch and play for Sunderland.

"I feel like I have the right people at the club supporting me and the love I’ve already received from the people here is something I can’t describe.

"I’m a creative player with good one-on-one ability, who is never afraid to take anyone on. I’ll work hard for the team and I’m excited to get started.”

Sunderland finished 16th in the Championship last season. Tony Mowbray was sacked last December and replaced by Michael Beale, who only spent 12 games in the hot seat before he was also axed.

Mike Dodds took interim charge at the Stadium of Light for the final months of last term, including a 5-1 defeat against Rovers. Sam Szmodics bagged a brace that day, with Ryan Hedges, Tyrhys Dolan and Andrew Moran also getting on the scoresheet.

Poveda spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, playing 10 times as the Owls managed to beat the drop.

The wideman spent time in Manchester City’s ranks as a youngster before heading to Elland Road in January 2020.

He spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Ewood Park and had a promising start, scoring in a 3-1 victory against Sheffield United.

However, Poveda suffered an ankle injury a couple of weeks later and was forced to spend several months on the sidelines, eventually returning to the pitch for the final weeks of the season.

The 24-year-old also had a loan spell at Blackpool in 2022/23, playing 26 games for the Seasiders and finding the back of the net three times.

On the international stage, Poveda was capped several times by England at youth level but has now represented Colombia’s senior team.

Sunderland will be hoping to hit the ground running when they kick off the new campaign with a trip to Cardiff City on Saturday, August 10.

Poveda could return to Ewood Park when the Black Cats head to East Lancashire on Boxing Day. The return fixture at the Stadium of Light is pencilled in for Easter Monday (April 21 2025).