Sunderland allowed to sign goalkeeper Mika after transfer deadline

Sunderland completed the signing of 25-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper Michael Simoes Domingues (Mika) from Boavista on Wednesday - a week after the summer transfer window closed.

A "technical issue" prevented the Black Cats from finalising the deal with Boavista, but FIFA granted them permission to go ahead with the transfer this week.

"The deal has been ratified by FIFA, after Sunderland completed all of the necessary protocols in advance of the transfer window closing," read a club statement. "A technical issue meant that Boavista were unable to complete their requirements by the 11 p.m. deadline on Aug. 31, however FIFA are satisfied that both teams fulfilled their commitments, and the transfer has now been approved."

Mika is the 10th player to arrive at the Stadium of Light this summer, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.

David Moyes still had room to add a player to his Premier League squad, having submitted a roster short of the 25-man limit.

A starter for Boavista for the past two seasons, Mika will give the Premier League outfit some reprieve in goal following the lengthy injury to No. 1 choice Vito Mannone.

The 28-year-old Italian is set to miss the next three months with torn ligaments in his elbow.

Moyes indicated to reporters he was looking to sign another goalkeeper to compete with Jordan Pickford, who performed admirably in Mannone's stead. A rare error in an otherwise impressive performance against Southampton on Aug. 27 cost Sunderland the win at St Mary's.

Free agent and former AC Milan and Chelsea shot-stopper Marco Amelia was reportedly invited to train with Sunderland as a potential backup in case the club couldn't sign Mika.