Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is delighted with Connor Wickham's new deal.

The striker has penned a new four-year contract.

"I'm delighted that Connor has committed his future to us for the next few years," said Poyet, of a player signed for £8 million from Ipswich Town in 2011.

"After his contribution at the end of last year, he has continued to improve his football and become an important part of our team.

"He keeps learning, he is able to adapt to different positions up front and he is enjoying our philosophy of play so I'm really looking forward to keep working with him for the benefit of our club.

"I think it was very important to tie down a young English centre forward as there are not many around. This shows clearly the way this football club wants to progress."