Swedish Starlet Edges Closer To Move

As we told you last month, Sunderland were one of only three clubs still in the running for Swedish striker Valmir Berisha, however that number has been reduced by one, with Sunderland still appearing favourites to sign a player dubbed the 'New Zlatan'.

The player has admitted that it's between Sunderland an an unnamed Serie A side and hopes a deal can be wrapped up soon;

The clubs are in England and in Italy. I negotiate with both right now, but have not decided yet. I will probably decide in about a week, I'm extremely hungry for games now and want it to be ready soon.

The player has also said he's spoken to Sunderland's Swedish players Seb Larsson and David Moberg Karlsson and both left him feeling positive about a move to the Stadium of Light;

I've talked a bit with Sebastian Larsson and also David Moberg Karlsson, and it feels good. I have a pretty okay picture of the various possibilities.

While he would be joining the under 21 team of the Italian side outright, Berisha explains that he will be initially closer to the first team picture at Sunderland;

The most important thing is of course that the conditions of the club are right and that plans for me feels good.

From the Italian side, it would be in the u21 section outright, and in England I would have my base in u21 but in time, perhaps at the end of the season, get to know the first team a little bit, and maybe join in and train with them.

Promising noises from the highly rated 17-year-old, so stay tuned to Roker Report throughout January as we keep you up to date on this and all other transfer rumours.