Vito Mannone has become one of the stars of Sunderland's recent rise in form, since taking his place between the sticks the Italian goalkeeper has been in the form of his life as the team have gone on a run of only two defeats in the last 14 games (in all competitions).
The fee of around £2m we paid Arsenal for him is looking to be one of the bargains of the season but with the Italian only coming in initially to provide competition to then first choice Kieren Westwood, the 25-year-old only signed a two-year contract. With only one year left on his contract come the end of the season, Italian side AC MIlan are reportedly eyeing Mannone as a possible bargain heir to the ageing Christian Abbiati.
Mannone grew up a fan of Milan and admitted during his time at Arsenal that he would like to return to Italy and possibly play for the club at some point during his career;
In the future I'd return to Italy and play in Serie A, perhaps with AC Milan, my favourite team.
Whether or not Milan follow up their interest in Mannone, the Italian's superb form is sure to draw attention from elsewhere and unless he is offered a much deserved new contract, then it would be no surprise if other clubs try to prise him away in the summer.