Former Sunderland boss Malcolm Crosby is delighted with their capture of Ipswich striker Connor Wickham.
The 18-year-old England Under-21 striker, who also attracted attention from the likes of Arsenal and Spurs, last week quit Ipswich in an £8.1million deal which could rise to £12m.
Crosby, who is now head of football development at Oxford United after leaving Northampton Town, told the Daily Express: "Sunderland are obviously looking long-term, which is a good thing.
"I watched Wickham a few times last year and he's definitely got great potential.
"He's young, but he's a big lad - 6ft 3in.
"It's always a gamble when you're buying a striker and you have to pay decent money.
"Nothing surprises you with the fees, but sometimes these figures are not that big because, if you bring in somebody from Spain or France, you might have to pay the same.
"The good thing with Wickham is he's English so he already knows our game, even though he hasn't played in the Premier League yet.
"But Sunderland have obviously done their homework.''
