Report: Diakité Agrees Deal With Sunderland

Modibo Diakité is a name that has been strongly linked with Sunderland for the last month. The defender was actually reported to have agreed a deal with the club at the beginning of May, although that was quickly denied by the player's agent.

It appeared as if Inter Milan were in pole position to sign Diakité but it looks as if the Black Cats have pounced and clinched a deal for the highly sought after centre-back. Who had also been linked with a move to Everton, Liverpool and Napoli.

According to Sky Sports News, the defender has agreed to sign for Sunderland, although they mention we have agreed a fee with Lazio, the player is out of contract with Lazio in June and is likely to have agreed a deal to sign for Sunderland on July 1st on a Bosman free transfer.

He is the latest Bosman signing that is believed to have signed for Sunderland, following on from his compatriot and fellow central defender Valentin Roberge of Maritimo and Basle's defensive midfielder Cabral.

Following on from the recent signing of Altrincham prospect Duncan Watmore and the imminent arrival of Roberto De Fanti and Valentino Angeloni as Director of Football and Technical Director respectively, Sunderland are well on the way to being a completely different side and set-up in time for their return to pre-season training.

For more on Modibo Diakité, check out our recent Scout's Notebook on the central defender.