<
>

Fiorentina told to make move for Sunderland's Emanuele Giaccherini

The agent of Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has urged Fiorentina to move fast if they want to sign the Italy international this summer.

Giaccherini, 31, spent the season on loan at Bologna, scoring seven goals in 28 games and earning his place in the provisional Italy squad for Euro 2016.

He is unlikely to be part of the Sunderland squad next season, even though he is yet to work with Sam Allardyce who replaced Dick Advocaat during last season, with several suitors in Serie A.

Bologna's former sporting director, Pantaleo Corvino, has now taken on that same role with Fiorentina. And Daniele Prade, who Corvino replaced at the Viola, had previously indicated that Fiorentina were interested.

With Corvino having masterminded the signing of Giaccherini for his former club, he is expected to try the same for his new employers a year later.

He will have to do so fast, though, according to Giaccherini's agent Furio Valcareggi, who says there is plenty of competition for his signature.

"Prade asked me about Giaccherini prior to Empoli vs. Fiorentina, but I had promised I wouldn't say anything to anybody," Valcareggi told Lady Radio. "If Corvino now wants him at Fiorentina, he should call me and we would be willing to talk about it.

"We need to do it soon, though, because he's a player for the national team and he's appreciated by lots of coaches."

Giaccherini recently stated his preference to stay in Italy, telling Il Resto del Carlino that he is not returning to the Premier League.

"I don't think Sunderland could ask too much for me, also because they've already earned my transfer value [in not paying his wages this season] and also because my contract expires next year," Giaccherini added. "I want to stay here and I'm not going to change my mind."