Sunderland step up De Ceglie chase

It has been reported for several weeks that Juventus wing-back Paolo De Ceglie is close to Sunderland, but a deal is now imminent.

De Ceglie can play as a left-back or a wing-back, but has fallen behind in the Bianconeri pecking order and Paolo Di Canio wants to take advantage.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Sunderland’s interest in the 26-year-old has intensified in the last few hours.

De Ceglie made only 18 appearances last season for Juve in all competition, playing a total of 1,109 minutes of football.

He would be reunited with fellow Juve alumni Emanuele Giaccherini, who moved to Sunderland over the summer.

Like Giaccherini, De Ceglie is considered a utility player in Turin and would be available at a relatively low price in the region of £2.8m.