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After a spending a successful six months on loan at Sunderland, Marcos Alonso was a priority target for Gus Poyet, with Sunderland's head coach speaking of his intention to bring the Spaniard back to the Stadium of Light as recently as this week.
The move for Alonso had been delayed as Fiorentina's manager Vincenzo Montella wanted to take a look at left back during the Serie A club's pre-season training camp, to see what progress he had made during his time at Sunderland.
Unfortunately for Poyet and Sunderland it looks like Alonso has made a favourable impression on Montella, as reports out of Italy this morning claim the Italian club will no longer consider selling the defender after he shone in a new role on the left hand side of a back three.
Alonso himself had been thought to be keen on a move back to Sunderland but has received assurances about the amount of playing time he will get with the 'Viola'.
Should this report prove to be accurate it will be a big blow to Sunderland but may also explain the renewed links with another former loanee, Danny Rose.
Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout the summer as we keep you up to date with all the transfer news and rumours. Also, feel free to keep in touch with our dedicated Transfer Centre, which you can do by CLICKING HERE.
