Nottingham Forest have signed defender Louis Laing on a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, after he was released by Sunderland
The 21-year-old spent time on trial at Manchester United after leaving the Wearside club but has decided to become Stuart Pearce’s third new signing of the summer.
The Newcastle-born player made his first-team debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in May 2011, aged 18, and has appeared at every international level from under-16 to under-19.
Laing made 11 appearances for Wycombe Wanderers on loan during 2011-12 but injuries limited him to just five under-21 appearances for Sunderland last season. And four different managers during his time at the Stadium of Light hampered his progress.
He told Forest Player: “I want to be in the team. I’ve set myself that goal. I want to be playing regularly and to be seen as a big character within the squad.
“My preferred position is right-sided centre-back but I’m just as comfortable in a holding midfield role. I’m a fit player who can get up and down quite easily. I’ve got a pass in my locker, so I’ll play wherever I’m asked to. Hopefully that will work in my favour.
“I just want to work hard in pre-season and see where it goes from there.”
The Black Cats’ official site describe him as ‘a stylish, ball-playing centre-back. Tall, rangy and mobile, he reads the game well and is effective in possession.’