CONNOR Wickham has revealed that he was persuaded to join Sunderland on the strength of manager Steve Bruce’s ambition.

The former Ipswich Town striker met with the Black Cats boss face-to-face before agreeing to join the Premier League side on a four-year deal.

Wickham said: “It’s really exciting for me. I’ve seen the set-up here, which is amazing, and I can’t wait to get started playing football.

“Once the fee was agreed and I met with the manager, he told me all about the club’s ambitions and I was sold. Now I’m looking forward to getting back into training, getting back into football and meeting the lads. I know what I can do. I’ll work hard, do the best I can and get my head down.”

Bruce was delighted to have audaciously stolen a march on his Premier League rivals to claim the signature of Connor Wickham.

Most Town fans had resigned themselves to the fact that their young hero would be leaving Suffolk – but most expected Merseyside to be the destination.

But as Liverpool stuttered, with Wickham just a part of their make-up next season, Bruce swooped in to bid early – and big – and land one of his top summer transfer targets.

The Black Cats boss said: “A number of top sides have been chasing Connor for some time now so naturally we are absolutely delighted he has chosen to come to Sunderland.

“We have been watching him for a while now and he is improving and developing all the time. He’s a great prospect and I’m sure our supporters will love watching him play.”

Ironically, Mackem fans might get their first chance to see Wickham in the Premier League when they host Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy, on the opening day of the season.