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Monday, 8 July, 2002, 10:28 GMT 11:28 UK

Black Cats sign Thornton

Sunderland have clinched the signing of Tranmere midfielder Paul Thornton who was at the centre of a poaching row between the two clubs last season.

The highly-rated 19-year-old is out of contract at Prenton Park and will join the Black Cats for pre-season training.

As he is under 24, Sunderland boss Peter Reid will have to thrash out a compensation package with Tranmere.

Thornton was at the centre of a dispute last season when he claimed to have trained with Sunderland while still a registered Tranmere player.

Thornton will become Peter Reid's second signing of the summer, following the free transfer acquisition of former Liverpool defendr Phil Babb from Sporting Lisbon.

Thornton said: "I am looking forward to joining Sunderland and having the opportunity to play in the Premiership."

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