George Evans reveals why he chose Derby County over Sunderland
The former Manchester City midfielder had looked set to seal a move to the Stadium of Light, with a fee having been agreed with Reading and discussions in advanced stages.
But he held off in the hopes of finding a new club in the Championship, with his patience eventually resulting in a switch to Derby County - who have spent an undisclosed six-figure fee to bring the 23-year-old to the iPro Stadium.
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Hide AdLIVE: Transfer latest from League One as Sunderland defender linked with £6m exitAnd Evans has now revealed why he picked the Rams over Sunderland - with Derby manager Frank Lampard proving a particular lure.
"For me, it's a no-brainer," he admitted.
"Obviously working under the manager here, it's a fantastic football club and a big football club.
"It's a big opportunity for me and it's something that, when I heard there was interest, it was something I just wanted to go for.
"I'm delighted to be here now."
MORE: Lee Bowyer reveals Charlton injury crisis ahead of Sunderland's season openerEvans played alongside Lampard during his time at Manchester City, where the former Chelsea star aided his step-up from youth football.
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Hide AdAnd the former Reading man has revealed the impact that his now-manager had on his progression.
"The time I was at Manchester City before, obviously Frank was in the first team and I was in and around the first team at the time," he added.
LIVE: All the latest on Sunderland's search for a striker"He helped me a lot, he was talking to me a lot trying to help my game
"As a young player you just listen to people like that and it was a big learning curve for me."