Sunderland have signed a one-year shirt sponsorship deal with bookmaker Dafabet, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. Dafabet will be the main sponsor for Sunderland's first team home and away kits for the 2015/16 season, and take over sponsorship duties from international investments company Bidvest, whose two-year deal expired at the end of the Premier League season.

Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with Dafabet. Our regional identity sits proudly at the heart of Sunderland AFC but increasing our global footprint is also key as we look to continue to grow and strengthen the football club for the future."

The Black Cats join Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa as Dafabet's official soccer partners in the UK.