Maja

Sunderland have confirmed that striker Josh Maja has completed his move to French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The 20-year-old turned down a new contract at the Stadium of Light earlier this month and has now departed in a deal that could rise to £3.5m.

Maja, who came through Sunderland’s academy, has scored 15 goals in 24 Sky Bet League One appearances this season.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, Sunderland faced losing Maja for as little as £300,000 come the end of the season, but will now earn a future sell-on fee from the deal.

The London-born striker was also the subject of interest from Premier League sides Cardiff and Crystal Palace, but will join a side currently 11th in the French top flight.

Maja broke into the Sunderland team midway through last season, but scored just once in 17 appearances as they were relegated from the Sky Bet Championship

After successive relegations, Maja’s prolific form has put Sunderland in contention for an immediate return to the Championship, with the club in third place.

Sunderland are attempting to replace Maja by signing Wigan striker Will Grigg, with the Championship club having rejected four bids for the Northern Ireland international.