Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said he was delighted to pull off a club record £13million deal to sign Ghana World Cup star Asamoah Gyan from Rennes, because he thought he was heading to Turkey (16/1 Sunderland – Premiership Top 6 Finish 2010/2011).

Gyan signed a four-year deal after chairman Niall Quinn flew out to France to table Sunderland’s offer at the weekend, accelerating two days of negotiations.

Black Cats boss Bruce revealed he had almost given up on the 24-year-old striker – who he believed was on his way to Fenerbahce for £17million.

“I love his enthusiasm,” he said.

“I tried to sign him last summer. He’s got a huge appetite for the game, he’ll give us something extra. He can lead the line, he’s a traditional number nine.

“It’s a great piece of business for us. We’re all delighted. We are making huge strides.”

Gyan scored three goals in South Africa but missed the extra-time penalty that would have put the Black Stars through to the semi-finals.

He joins Ghana team-mate John Mensah at the Stadium of Light, with Bruce happy that the former Lyon man will be able to help him settle in on Wearside.

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