Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Jacob Carney, who has made the move to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Black Cats slow in the transfer market

The Black Cats have seen a number of players depart the club this summer, with Josh Scowen, Grant Leadbitter, Max Power and Charlie Wyke all leaving.

However, that exodus has not been counter-balanced by an influx of new arrivals as of yet.

The Latest: Sunderland sign Carney

Sunderland have confirmed their first new signing of the summer, though, as goalkeeper Carney joins them from Old Trafford (safc.com).

The 20-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

The Verdict: Unknown quantity

Carney is something of a unknown quantity. Without a first team appearance for the Red Devils, he spent last season on loan at Portadown in Northern Ireland, and conceded 46 goals in just 26 games for the club (Transfermarkt).

However, Portadown boss Matthew Tipton had plenty of praise for him earlier this year (The Newsletter) when Carney won the club’s Player of the Month award for February, saying: “Most opposition managers single out Jacob after our games and I am just delighted with everything overall since he joined the club.

“I would love him to stay with us again next season and he has really settled in well since moving over to Northern Ireland.”

Having come through United’s academy, Carney has received perhaps the best footballing education possible, and there is no shame in dropping a couple of divisions to further his career. Lee Johnson and co will be hoping that the 20-year-old proves to be an astute signing, which certainly seems to be the case given Tipton’s glowing endorsement.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has urged Sunderland to sign this striker.