John Mensah has sealed a permanent move back to Sunderland and, provided he secures a work permit, should face Birmingham next week.

The Ghana international, who played for his country out in South Africa at the World Cup this summer, has been on Wearside in the past few days sealing the complicated transfer that will see him join from French side Lyon.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce was unsure whether Lyon's reported £6million asking price was justified considering the defender's injury problems, which meant he only played 17 times during his season-long loan move last term. But a deal has been struck and, subject to him getting work permit clearance in the next few days, Mensah will be in line to face Blues in the Premier League opener next Saturday.

Mensah's agent, Fabien Pivaeteau, has revealed the deal will be a permanent transfer although it is a complex move.

"John is going to Sunderland, but not on loan as is being reported," he said. On his personal website, the player admitted he was delighted with his return to the Stadium of Light.

He said: "I'm happy to be back at the Stadium of Light, especially to meet Steve Bruce, Eric Black, my team-mates and the lovely supporters."