Sunderland defender Wes Brown has vowed to fight for his place in the side despite the club's transfer business this summer.

Brown, who missed the whole of the last Premier League campaign due to injury, has featured prominently in the Black Cat's pre-season preparations.

Manager Paolo Di Canio has recruited Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite so far in the current transfer window, but Brown has welcomed the competition for places.

"We've made good signings at centre-half," Brown told reporters. "I've seen them play and trained with them so it's going to be good competition, but I've always said that you need that.

"They are good lads as well, so we help each other and watch how each other plays. Whoever plays, the others will try to support him in any way whatsoever."

Sunderland host Fulham on the opening day of the Premier League season on August 17.