Sunderland Close In On Arsenal Shot Stopper With Spurs Midfielder To Follow
Sunderland are close to securing a deal to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone with Paolo Di Canio also eyeing a move for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone.
The Wearside club are likely to undergo big changes in squad personnthis summer as Di Canio aims to stamp his authority on a squad that survived relegation from the Premier League by just three points last season.
One of the few positives from a wretched campaign was the form of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, but the Belgian shot stopper has since joined Liverpool in a £10m deal, leaving Sunderland with a vast hole to fill in their starting XI.
Sky Sports report the club are already close to filling that void with Arsenal custodian Vito Mannone. While the Italian enjoyed some game time for the Gunners last season, he is likely to remain third choice behind Wojciech Szczęsny Lukasz Fabianski next season should he remain at the Emirates.
The 25-year-old has had spells out on loan at Barnsley and Hull City in past seasons and is likely to feel ready to take on a more prominent role, with negotiations between Arsenal and Sunderland reportedly at an advanced stage.
Should Di Canio secure a move for his fellow Italian, Mannone will vie with Irishman Keiren Westwood for the number one spot at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland could continue their summer shopping in North London in the coming weeks as the Evening Standard report Spurs midfielder Tm Huddlestone has also been targeted by the club.
The 26-year-old has endured an injury ridden last two years at White Hart Lane, watching on as Mousa Dembele and Sandro have become key figures in the Tottenham midfield. Huddlestone admitted at the end of April that he may have to leave the club he has spent the last eight years of his career at in order to gain further first team opportunities.
Huddlestone's departure could be accelerated as Spurs edge closer to sealing a deal to bring Brazilian midfielder Paulinho to the club.
The former Derby County midfielder could be available for just £5m, the Standard report, but Sunderland could face competition from newly-promoted Hull City who are also looking to boost their midfield options.
The Black Cats are also closing in on a deal to bring Le Havre prospect Benjamin Mendy to the north east. The Ligue 2 club announced yesterday that have reached an agreement with Sunderland with it now down to the 18-year-old full back to sign a contract.
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