Emanuele Giaccherini’s agent, Furio Valcareggi, has confirmed that Serie A side Fiorentina have inquired about the midfielder, and stated that the pair “ready to talk” if a formal offer arrives for Sunderland.
The winger has fell out of favour at Sunderland under Dick Advocaat but was allowed to leave on loan. The Italian joined Bologna, and enjoyed a successful spell there, scoring seven goals in 28 appearances.
Much revitalised by his loan spell, Giaccherini was rewarded with his form by Italy boss Antonio Conte. The midfielder was included in the 30-man preliminary squad for his country ahead of Euro 2016.
Plenty of potential suitors
“Before Empoli, Fiorentina, director Daniele Pradè asked me about Giaccherini, but I had sworn not to tell anyone,” said his agent.
However, a potential move to the Viola may have been scuppered, as yesterday Pradè resigned from Fiorentina and will be replaced by Pantaleo Corvino as director of sport.
Though Valcareggi remains confident, “If Fiorentina and Corvino want to call, then we’re ready to talk. They have to hurry up, though, because he is in the Nazionale and appreciated by many coaches.”
The 31-year-old is believed to be on the radar of a number of Serie A club and Sunderland are willing to let him go.
He will remain appreciated by the Premier League club, however, having played a massive part in the club’s Great Escape under Gus Poyet during the 2013/14 season.
One of many odd di Canio arrivals
That aside, he failed to hit the ground running at Sunderland and was part of a disastrous transfer haul under Paolo Di Canio. Out of 14 players brought in by the ex-manager, only Duncan Watmore, Vito Mannone and Fabio Borini remain.
The Italian has made 40 appearances for the Wearsiders and has four goals to his name.
Boss Sam Allardyce is likely to get his own in the transfer window, following a successful shopping spree in January, it is feasible that Ellis Short will trust him to spend well.