Sunderland close to signing Lazio Diakite

Sunderland are on the brink of completing a deal for Lazio defender Modibo Diakite.

The Black Cats have agreed a transfer fee for the 26-year-old Frenchman and were given the permission to enter the contract negotiations with the player. Should the deal go through, this will be the first signing of Paolo Di Canio in charge of Sunderland. The Italian is looking to strengthen the squad to live up board’s minimum expectation of reaching safe mid-table position next season.

Diakite made 83 outings for the Serie A side, after joining from Pescara in 2006. The player has been linked with a move to either Everton or Liverpool after falling out of favour with Lazio boss Vladimir Petković.