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A Bosman signing from Lazio in the summer, Modibo Diakite never really got going at Sunderland. He missed most of pre-season with slight injuries, then once the season started struggled to make an impact, with his only good performance of note coming in the 1-0 win at Everton on Boxing Day. The form of John O'Shea and Wes Brown, as well as the arrival of Santiago Vergini, has seen the French defender drop further down the pecking order.
With his first team chances limited, Gus Poyet has allowed Diakite to leave the club and the 26-year-old has joined Serie A side Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy, a move which means the Frenchman leaves Wearside after only six months.
Diakite started only seven games for Sunderland, six of which came in the Premier League, and his last appearance came in the 1-0 win over Kidderminster Harriers in last weekend's third round FA Cup victory. Various Italian clubs had been linked with a move for the defender, including Napoli and Parma, but it's the Viola who have won the race for Diakite and they will be hoping he can replace the injured Nenad Tomovic.
Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout January as we keep you up to date with his and all other transfer news and rumours. Also, feel free to keep in touch with our dedicated Transfer Centre, which you can do by CLICKING HERE.
