Sunderland tonight finally snapped up West Bromwich Albion defender Paul McShane.

The fee for the Ireland centre-half is an initial £1.5million, rising to a possible £2.5million - thanks to £750,000 related to appearances and £250,000 if the Wearsiders avoid the drop from the Premier League this season.

He was initially targeted in a double deal with West Brom left-back Paul Robinson, but that fell through.

The 21-year-old McShane was signed from Manchester United on a free transfer last summer, giving

Albion a huge profit, which has been instantly spent on highly-rated Luton Town defender Leon Barnett.

McShane has won four caps for Ireland and will start his Sunderland career on tour in his home land this weekend, with Roy Keane's men off to the Emerald Isle tomorrow for a three-match trip which features games against Bohemians in Dublin on Saturday, Cork City on Monday and Galway United on Wednesday.

McShane played at both centre-half and right-back for Albion last season, helping them reach the play-off final, where they were beaten by Derby.

He made 42 appearances for the Baggies, and Hawthorns boss Tony Mowbray paid tribute to the Irishman, telling wba.co.uk: "I want to thank Paul for his contribution last season. He's a terrific lad with a terrific attitude to football.

"But Paul intimated to me in very strong terms that his ambitions lay away from this football club."