Versatile midfielder said to be close to clinching deal.
Juventus star Emanuele Giaccherini is reportedly a step away from sealing a move to the Premier League with Sunderland.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, after an initial €8m bid was rejected, the Black Cats have returned with an improved offer which would see the overall amount paid reach €10m with bonuses.
The midfielder caught the eye of boss Paolo Di Canio with his impressive performances at the Confederations Cup last month, while his versatility has also helped him emerge as a reliable squad player in Turin.
Giaccherini scored against Brazil in their Group A meeting, while excelling in various positions as Cesare Prandelli deployed him as a left wing-back and as an attacking midfielder during the tournament.
However, the 28-year-old has been deemed expendable by the Italian giants, who will move in for his national team-mate Alessandro Diamanti when his transfer is finalised, as they look to continue to build a squad capable of continuing their domination domestically while also conquering Europe.
Di Canio has been given significant backing in the summer window as the club look to improve on last season’s performance where they narrowly avoided relegation.
It is understood he is also targeting a treble swoop of Inter’s youth team, but at this stage Giaccherini remains the priority and it would appear that a deal is now imminent.
Critics have doubts as to whether Giaccherini is a first-team player that can consistently deliver, but what he lacks in quality he undoubtedly makes up for with commitment and hard-work.
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