Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan has completed a permanent move to United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain.

The 26-year-old Ghana international, who spent most of last season on loan at the club, has sealed a transfer on undisclosed terms as expected.

A Sunderland statement said: "Sunderland AFC can confirm that Ghana international Asamoah Gyan has joined United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain on a permanent deal.

"The striker initially joined the recently-crowned Etisalat Pro-League champions on loan in September 2011 but will now remain in the Gulf state after the clubs agreed undisclosed terms."

Gyan completed a £13million-plus switch to the Stadium of Light from French side Rennes just weeks after starring for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, where his extra-time penalty miss against Uruguay had cost them a place in the last four.

He was signed on a four-year contract to play alongside Darren Bent, but their partnership was still in its infancy when the England international sealed a move to Aston Villa.

The African scored 11 goals in his first season in English football and was also on target for his country in a 1-1 friendly draw with England at Wembley as his reputation blossomed.