Sunderland boss Roy Keane admits he was unsure he would secure former Charlton Athletic midfielder Andy Reid before Thursday's deadline.
"I had spoken to Charlton boss Alan Pardew twice about Andy but felt we were not getting anywhere.
"However, you are chancing your arm all the time - and when they wanted Greg I felt we were getting a bit of encouragement.
"It is great to have Andy here because he is a quality player, and those are the kind of players we are trying to bring to the club."