Right-back Wright has passed a medical and agreed a five-year deal with the Black Cats.

The 22-year-old said his potential lack of first-team football at Anfield next season had prompted his switch.

He said: "Liverpool told me there was an offer (from Sunderland), but first I asked what my chances at Liverpool were.

"But, with Markus coming back in and Jamie (Carragher) there, they were probably going to be nil. But I left on great terms, there was no nastiness.

"Once I had spoken to Peter, I made my decision. This is a massive club with passionate and great supporters. They had a poor season last year but they can only go on."

Wright signed a new three-year deal with Liverpool last season and made regular outings for the first team.

But this season his opportunities would have been limited.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid remained confident the defender would be a regular first-team player.

Reid said: "Stephen is a player who I have seen play both club football for Liverpool and international football for England, at under-21 level.

"He's already a great player and is at the right age to develop into a top-class footballer.

"I am very pleased to have him on board."

Sunderland have been linked with a number of high-profile signings which have so far failed to come off.

The club are reportedly chasing Rangers pair Tore Andre Flo and Michael Mols.