The 20-year-old wide man has signed a five-year deal with the Black Cats after enjoying a bright last season with the Foxes despite their relegation to Division One.

Piper made 15 appearances for Leicester during 2001/2002 and scored the last goal at Filbert Street against Tottenham in May.

"I have been monitoring the player since last season," Sunderlamd boss Peter Reid told the club's website.

"He has great pace to go past players and get crosses in."

Piper could now find himself thrown into the action straight away when Sunderland take on Everton this weekend.

He said: "I am very happy to be joining Sunderland.

"I came on as a sub for Leicester last season at the Stadium of Light when Sunderland won the match and the atmosphere was tremendous.

"It's an exciting move for me."

Piper is the fifth new face to join the Sunderland ranks this summer as Reid looks to improve on last season's disappointing campaign.

Full-back Stephen Wright arrived in a �3m deal from Liverpool last week.

Experienced defender Phil Babb and Norwegian keeper Thomas Myhre have also bolstered the playing staff along with Tranmere's out-of-contract teenage midfielder Sean Thornton.

But Reid, who has been under pressure to sign a strike partner for Kevin Phillips, has missed out on Ajax forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The 20-year-old Swedish star has decided to stay with the Dutch side despite attracting interest from another Premiership club.

"I plan to stay at Ajax and compete for a place, even though I know Sunderland and one other English club are in for me," he said.