Football's worst kept secret is finally out, Kieren Westwood has left Coventry City and has joined Premier League Side Sunderland.
Westwood was understood to have undergone a medical at The stadium of Light yesterday and signed a three year deal later in the day.
Westwood had been offered a new deal by Coventry City, but the 26 year old Irish international goal keeper had made it known he wanted higher level football to enhance his international career.
Depending on what rumours you want to believe, Sunderland have offered Westwood a deal worth from £25,000 to £30,000 a week, sums of money which Coventry City could not match.
Westwood joined Coventry City from Carlisle United three years ago and went on to build up an impressive reputation and won international recognition. He joins Sunderland on a Bosman free transfer so both Coventry City and Carlisle United miss out on desperately needed cash. There was a sell on clause in the deal that took Westwood from Carlisle to Coventry.
Westwood was Coventry City's player of the Year in 2009/10, three times the Player Of The Year For the South Wales and Irish Supporters Clubs and a massive favourite of the fans.
Coventry City manager Andy Thorn has been busy lining up replacement goal keepers and has made a formal approach for Northampton Town's Chris Dunn, who is available on a free transfer, but the club will have to part with a development fee as he is only 24 years old.
Scunthorpe's Joe Murphy, Westwood's understudy in the Republic of Ireland side is thought to be the main focus of interest as a direct replacement and is also available on a free transfer as he has also rejected a new deal after Scunthorpe's relegation from the Championship