Both Sunderland and Norwich have been unable to sign Joel Robles this summer, with the goalkeeper agreeing to join Leeds in a transfer instead, as reported by their official website.

With Leeds playing their football in the Premier League, the chance to play in the top flight has convinced the 32-year-old to decide against a transfer to either Championship side and he will now join up with the Whites on a one-year deal.

With Sunderland playing their football in the second tier now after a promotion from League One, boss Alex Neil has been looking to sign players that have experience in the division or higher in the football pyramid. Robles would fit that bill, with the goalkeeper having played in 51 Premier League games during his career.

As for Norwich, they want to try and push for a promotion back into the top flight and could have used Robles experience to help them. Instead, the player though won't be heading to either team and will be going straight into the top flight with Leeds.

Robles recently played for Betis in Spain and managed 18 games during the last campaign for the side as they finished in sixth. However, the club decided that they would let the player leave the side during this transfer window and he has been available on a free transfer.

El Chiringuito TV was the first report that Sunderland and Norwich were both looking at trying to sort out a transfer deal for the goalkeeper and the Championship sides were both seemingly plotting bids for the player. Instead though, Robles has now signed for Leeds.

The Verdict

Joel Robles signing for Leeds is a blow for both Sunderland and Norwich but both clubs have plenty of other players they could sign instead.

The former Everton goalkeeper has plenty of experience in the Premier League, so having him inbetween the sticks in the Championship for the two clubs could have helped either of them in the league this season. However, with a move to Leeds, he can now play at a higher level if he can get onto the field.

As a signing on a free, it is a good piece of business for Leeds and whilst Sunderland in particular would have benefitted from a deal for a player who has experience in the top flight - on a free no less - there are other players with similar experience who they can sign.

Norwich have Tim Krul who is even more impressive in the Premier League than Robles so they should be solid at the back and Sunderland have Anthony Patterson, who may not have had a lot of experience but has played well in the league so far, with the club sealing a win over Bristol City and a draw against Coventry too.