Doncaster Rovers confirm signing of Sunderland left back Reece James

Former Manchester United youngster James becomes the second new arrival of the summer for Rovers – who are expected to confirm at least one more signing this week.

Rovers explored option for additions at left back after talks over a new deal with Danny Andrew stalled, with boss Grant McCann calling an end to them around ten days ago.

And they moved quickly to snap up James, who only signed a new contract at the Stadium of Light last week.

James, who has signed a two-year deal, says he was sold on the move to Rovers by McCann’s vision for the future.

He said: “I had a conversation with Grant and Cliff Byrne and they sold the club to me.

“The ambitions they both have match mine and that is to challenge for promotion.

“That made my decision an easy one and my mind was made up that I wanted to sign for the club.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to come to Doncaster after playing quite a lot of games last season.

“I watched the games in the play-offs last season and they were really unfortunate not to go through, but as a team they were great to watch.

“I know the league and what it takes to get out of this division, hopefully that can add to the experience in the squad that is already here.”

The 25-year-old joined Sunderland last summer after leaving Wigan Athletic, making 35 appearances for the north east club in their run to the League One play-off final.

He last featured in the Checkatrade Trophy final defeat to Portsmouth but, following a brief spell out through injury, was not involved in a matchday squad afterwards, facing competition from Brian Oviedo and Denver Hume.

Starting his career at Old Trafford, and after loan spells with Carlisle United, Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town, James moved to Wigan Athletic in 2015 for an undisclosed fee.

He made 57 appearances in three years for the Latics, including twice winning promotion from League One, though his time was punctuated by an ankle injury.