KRISTJAAN Speakman believes Enzo Le Fee can "elevate" Sunderland after the midfielder completed his loan move from Roma.

The statement signing was confirmed late on Friday night, with Le Fee initially joining on loan until the end of the season.

That deal will be made permanent for a fee believed to be £16m plus add-ons should Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League.

Le Fee previously played for Regis Le Bris at Lorient, with Sunderland's head coach instrumental in the capture of the Frenchman, who joined Roma for more than £20m last summer.

It hasn't worked out for the midfielder in the Italian capital, and Le Bris is delighted to reunite with the 24-year-old, who established himself as one of the brightest talents in France before joining Roma.

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After his move was confirmed, Le Fee said: “I’m very happy to be here and I’m excited to meet the people. There are some familiar faces with Wilson Isidor, Adil Aouchiche and Salis Abdul Samed. I also know the coach and I know how he wants to play, so I am sure this will also help me.

"Now, I just need to prove it on the pitch. I think that’s the most important thing and I’m very excited to play in front of the fans. This is a big club. For me, that is normal, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Sporting director Speakman added: “We’re delighted to welcome Enzo to Sunderland and thank Roma for their collaboration on this matter. He’s a player we know well, and for Régis a player he’s worked with previously.

"The opportunity to acquire a midfielder of this profile, who already understands how our coach works, is a unique combination we had to pursue. Enzo is an outstanding talent and we believe he can elevate our level in the second half of the season.

"We are delighted to have strengthened our group so early in the window and we are looking forward to working with him.”

Le Fee will near the No.28 shirt at Sunderland.