Richardson heads to Fulham, Spearing departs Anfield

England international Kieran Richardson has completed a switch from Sunderland to Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

Richardson, who made 149 appearances for Sunderland and has eight international caps, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Craven Cottage.

“I’m delighted that my transfer to Fulham has been completed and now I’m eager to start training for my new club straight away and pulling on the white shirt for the first time,” Richardson told Fulham’s official website.

Fulham manager Martin Jol added: “Kieran is a proven top-level player, who has the versatility to play a number of positions.

“He will bring all-round quality which will add strength to our squad and I’m confident that he will adapt well to our style of football, and make an impact for us.”

Sunderland have moved to replace Richardson on the left side with the signing of Danny Rose from Tottenham on a season-long loan.

Meanwhile, Bolton have completed the signing of Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing on a season-long loan.

Spearing graduated through the youth ranks at Anfield before making more than 50 appearances for the senior team.

“We have been in the market for a player of this kind for a long time and Jay is someone that we have always had an eye on,” Bolton manager Owen Coyle told the club’s official website.

“He was previously never available and, indeed, played the majority of games in Liverpool’s first team last season in the Premier League.

“We did everything we could to bring Jay to the football club and so we are thrilled to bring in a player of his calibre.”