Billy Jones signs for Sunderland after rejecting final offer from West Brom
West Brom defender Billy Jones today signed for Sunderland on a four-year deal after turning down a final contract offer from Albion.
The former Crewe and Preston man was given a final take-it-or-leave-it offer last week to sign a three-year deal at The Hawthorns on improved wages.
But the Black Cats have handed the 27-year-old a longer deal and he has opted to move to Wearside.
Albion were reluctant to break the bank for Jones after a series of niggling injuries restricted his appearances in the last two years.
He had just 21 starts last season.
Jones' decision mean Albion must replace both of last season's senior right-backs after they released Steven Reid.
Director of football administration Richard Garlick said: "Following further talks with Billy's representative, we made our final offer last week – a long-term deal on vastly-improved terms based on Billy's contribution over the past three years.
"Billy rejected this and has exercised his right to run down his contract with a view to joining Sunderland.
"We're obviously disappointed by Billy's decision but wish him well in his future career.
"With there being no guarantees that Billy would re-sign, we have been preparing for this scenario and will pursue the options we have been exploring in the right-back position."
Jones joined Albion on a free transfer in the summer of 2011. During his three seasons at the club, he made 70 starts and four sub appearances, scoring once.
