Dean Whitehead, who attracted numerous, multi-million pound bids from Reading and interest from Liverpool, has signed a new four-year contract at the Stadium Of Light - keeping him in red and white until 2011.
Niall Quinn said: "Dean is a talented footballer who will play a pivotal part in this club's progress. He has all the attributes to boss our midfield and drive this team forward."
Whitehead said: "I'm happy at the club and I'm looking forward to what we hope will be another successful season in the Championship."
Meanwhile, young striker, Daryl Murphy, was handed a new five-year contract after impressing during pre-season. Murphy was signed from Irish outfit, Waterford United, but didn't get much of a chance to impress last season as he was kept out of the side by the likes of, Jon Stead; Andy Gray; and Steven Elliot.
"I'm absolutely delighted to sign my new deal," said the 23-year-old "Five years is a long contract so I'm grateful to the manager - he's shown faith in me and I want to repay that by scoring goals and doing well for the team."
Quinn said: "He's had a tremendous pre-season and he's someone who is going to get better and better and we'll reap the benefits."
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