Sunderland new boy Carlos Edwards has set his sights firmly on the Barclays Premiership after clinching a £1.5million move to the Stadium of Light.

The 28-year-old Trinidad and Tobago midfielder goes straight into the squad for Saturday's tough FA Cup third-round trip to Preston after making the switch from Luton this week, but with even bigger things in mind.

Edwards said: "It is most footballers' dream to play in the Premiership and I am at a club that will be going places. I took this opportunity because the club speaks volumes for itself. We have a great bunch of players and staff also, and hopefully they can get the best out of the players."

The Black Cats are 10th in the Championship, three points off the play-off places, but former Wrexham winger Edwards admitted manager Roy Keane's ambition to move up was a major factor in his decision to head north.

He said: "With Roy Keane being the manager of Sunderland, I did not take me a split-second to accept the offer."

Keane was delighted to have landed one of his major targets within days of the opening of the transfer window, and is confident the newcomer, an international team-mate of Dwight Yorke, will plug a gap in his squad.

He said: "We have been looking out for players and trying to get players in the right position because I have had to chop and change a lot.

"I have been looking for somebody to play wide right who has an attacking ability, and Carlos came to mind."

Edwards' arrival was followed swiftly by that of 19-year-old Manchester United central defender Jonny Evans, who has joined the club on loan until the end of the season. However, hopes that he could be followed by right-back Phil Bardsley, 21, appear to be receding.

Keane said: "The longer it goes on, the more you get worried, but we have put a good offer to him and if he accepts it, well and good, I will be delighted. If not, then life goes on and I wish him well."