Reports: Sunderland Closing In On Italian Coup

According to reports in Italy, Sunderland could be about to land a transfer coup by ensnaring Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini.

This was a move that was first mooted last week, and having seen him just star for Italy in the Confederations Cup we took it with a healthy pinch of salt.

But the move has been gathering pace ever since, despite some public protestations of his agent, and reports are now widespread that Sunderland's interest is genuine and his club are open to the idea of letting him go in order to help fund their own transfer business.

The Gazzetta Dello Sport, who generally enjoy a good reputation for credibility in Italy, is reporting that the player is, at this point, 'one step away from Sunderland' with an €8million (around £6.9million) bid lodged. Quite what 'one step away' means isn't clear, but what does seem quite certain is that there are serious talks between all parties taking place over a potential move.

It is also well worth noting that the journalist who has been pushing the story from the very start enjoys very close links with new Sunderland scout Massimo Mirabelli.

The big question at this stage would appear to be more surrounding the player himself. His agent has been adamant that Giaccherini would like to stay at Juventus, though with the former Cesena man earning just £10k per week in Italy and needing regular football with the World Cup looming, it is perfectly plausible that Sunderland could offer him an attractive package.

I'm officially bumping this one up from 'pinch of salt' status to 'dare to believe (but don't bank on it)'.