Mahon native Alan Browne has a new home after 10-years at Preston North End after he signed for Sunderland on a free transfer.

The midfielder moves to the Stadium of Light after a decade at Deepdale and a spell that saw the club climb out of League One and get established as a midtable side in the Championship.

The 29-year-old made 414 appearances for North End after arriving as a teenager from Cork City in 2014.

He was offered a new three-year deal to stay at Deepdale, yet opted to leave the club at the end of his contract last month.

Browne helped Preston win promotion to the EFL Championship during the 2014-15 season.

The midfielder was a key member of the squad that reached the promotion play-off final and defeated Swindon Town 4-0 at Wembley.

The Lilywhites immediately established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the division, but a push for promotion to the Premier League proved beyond them.

Sunderland is the next step in the midfielder’s career, and the deal was announced on Thursday morning.

“It’s a big change for me after being at Preston for such a long time, but it’s brilliant to be here,” Browne told the club’s media team.

“Sunderland is one of the biggest clubs in England and I can’t wait to get started.

“I captained Preston for some time, so hopefully I can bring those leadership qualities to the Stadium of Light and add to what is a very talented squad.”

Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Alan is a dynamic and versatile midfielder, who will complement the players within our squad and bring fresh qualities to our midfield.