Manchester City have completed the �2m transfer of Chinese defender Sun Jihai.

The former Crystal Palace defender is expected to arrive at Maine Road in a few days after the long drawn-out deal was eventually sealed.

The 24-year-old Dalian Wanda defender has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with City.

Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan told the club's official website: "It is a deal we expect to go through now.

"The paper work has not quite been completed, but he is on his way here."

Sun could make his debut for City when they travel to Birmingham City, although Keegan said he would not feature in the weekend's fixtures.

Keegan said: "I don't think it would be sensible to include him in the starting line up on Sunday as he needs a bit of time with us."

"This is a signing that again that will need a week to ten days to get adjusted.

"Flying between China and England is not easy but he will strengthen us and that is why we have bought him."

Keegan is keen to add Sun's versatility to City's defence.

The City boss said: "He can play all away along the back line, in the centre and in midfield as well."

Sun was one of the mainstays of China's successful qualifying campaign for this year's World Cup and has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Torino.