Black Cats on cusp of securing major coup

SUNDERLAND are closing in on the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi as the club's new director of football following promotion back to the Premier League.

- By MATTY HEWITT & CLIVE YOULTON

As per various outlets, The Journal understands the Black Cats have beaten a number of high-profile European clubs to the appointment.

The Frenchman will work alongside current sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who remains highly valued having helped guide Sunderland from League One back to the Premier League.

Ghisolfi, who oversaw transfers at AS Roma last season, helped the Serie A side finish in the top five for the first time last season, missing out on Champions League qualification by just one point.

The 40-year-old left Roma earlier this week and a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia, Italy and Europe are said to have been keen on appointing him. Newcastle United and Juventus are two of the clubs to have been named as admirers of the French transfer chief.