Report: Mannone Signs Two Year Contract Extension

Mannone, who earlier this week dismissed talk of him leaving Wearside, has apparently signed a deal which keeps him at Sunderland until the summer of 2017 according to an article published by the Sunderland Echo this morning.

Despite the arrival of Romanian international Costel Pantilimon from Manchester City it seems that the Italian, signed from Arsenal last summer, is keen to stay and fight for his place as the number one goalkeeper in Gus Poyet's side.

Although the deal has not yet been confirmed by the club we have no reason to doubt the Echo - this is pleasing news as it further strengthens our hand and ensures we have a healthy range of options in a vital position going into pre-season.

With Jordan Pickford and Pantilimon already tied down on long term contracts it was rumoured last week that Napoli were keen on bringing Vito in and, with a year left on his contract, it was largely accepted that his departure was a strong possibility. Mannone, however, gave a statement earlier this week reaffirming his commitment to playing for Sunderland.

Mannone told the Sunderland Echo:

"Why would I (leave)? I love Sunderland and the Sunderland fans. I enjoyed last season and am looking forward to next season and hope we can reward the fans by winning something."

We polled you, the readers of Roker Report, on who your choice was as our number one and it seems the majority are massively in favour of the big Italian.

With Vito the latest player to sign a new deal at the club let's hope our new sporting director Lee Congerton is now working on tying down young striker Connor Wickham beyond the end of next season, when his current deal expires.