Cats close in on transfer chief with golden touch

Sunderland look set to beat Newcastle United to the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi

- By MATTY HEWITT

SUNDERLAND are yet to sanction an incoming signing this summer after sealing their return to the Premier League, but the Black Cats are closing in on a major appointment in their recruitment department.

The Black Cats look set to beat Newcastle United to the appointment of Florent Ghisolfi for the new role of director at football at the Stadium of Light.

The 40-year-old has built up a stellar portfolio during his previous roles as sporting director at RC Lens and OGC Nice, prior to move to AS Roma in the summer of 2024. Ghisolfi would spend just one season at the Italian club where he'd sign Black Cats star Enzo Le Fee - before departing for new pastures this summer.

Although not yet confirmed, Sunderland are hoping to appoint Ghisolfi to a newly created role to work alongside current sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman. The current transfer chief has built his own impressive reputation in overseeing the club's rise from League One to the Premier League in just four full seasons.

The Black Cats' recruitment policy has attracted plaudits from up and down the country, with all eyes now on how the club adapt to life back in the top flight after eight years away.