Former Sunderland midfielder David Meyler has come forward to suggest he played a vital role in the club signing defender Jordan Willis this weekend.

The Black Cats have signed the 24-year-old defender to a two-year deal following the end of his spell with Coventry City, and Reading midfielder Meyler has taken to Twitter to stake his claim for playing a vital role in convincing Willis to sign for Sunderland.

Meyler has been plying his trade with the Sky Blues this season after failing to cement a regular slot in the Reading midfield, and it seems he has indeed been in the ear of Willis.

The defender has been one of the standout players for Coventry in recent seasons and will now be looking to step things up a notch following his move to the Stadium of Light, and it's safe to say thay Meyler's influence will have gone down well with Mackems.

Meyler played for Sunderland between 2008 and 2013 before sealing a move to Hull where he would make his name as a combative midfielder for the Tigers.

The last few seasons have seen Meyler move away from the top flight and slip somewhat down the footballing pyramid, but it appears he can still influence things for his old club, as seen here with the transfer of Willis to the North-East.