Sunderland signs striker Danny Graham from Swansea

SUNDERLAND, England (AP) -Sunderland says it has completed the signing of striker Danny Graham from English Premier League rival Swansea for five million pounds ($7.9 million) on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

The 27-year-old Graham told the club's website on Thursday that "as soon as I heard about the interest from Sunderland I didn't even have to consider any of the other options,'' and that "this is a new phase of my career and I can't wait to get started.''

Graham was Swansea's leading scorer last season with 14 goals but has found opportunities limited in this campaign under new coach Michael Laudrup.

He becomes Sunderland's third signing of the January transfer window, after midfielder Alfred N'Diaye and defender Kader Mangane.