Sunderland have been dealt a transfer blow in pursuit of one of their targets Paul Digby.
The Black Cats had been linked with a move for the 26-year-old after an impressive campaign with recently promoted Cambridge United.
Digby, who was born in Sheffield, came through the ranks at Barnsley and is no stranger to Sunderland's head coach Lee Johnson.
The pair crossed paths during their time at Oakwell and speculation had linked Digby with a move to the Stadium of Light this summer.
However, the Cambridge United midfielder has penned a new two-year deal with the U's after their promotion.
“It is what I wanted,” Digby told Cambridgeshire Live.
“I am delighted to have signed and be a part of this football club for another two years.
“I am grateful that the club have offered me the deal and put their faith in me to help move the club forward into League One.”
U's head coach Mark Bonner believes his best years are still to come. He said: "Paul played an integral role in our season and adds character, physical presence and aggression to the team.
“His leadership is vital to us and he has a resilience that drives standards.
“He is as excited about the step up in leagues as we are and he is determined to prove himself at the next level. It is that mindset sweeping through the squad that will focus us for the new season.
“Paul organises and encourages people superbly, he breaks up play well and has good understanding defensively.
“He has played a good number of games already in his career and with his best years ahead of him, we are looking forward to helping him develop further as a player and as a direct influence on our team.”
