Sunderland are believed to have made an offer for Fiorentina midfielder Marcos Alonso which could see defender Modibo Diakite head in the other direction.
Alonso moved to Wearside in January 2014 on loan while Diakite moved to the Stadio Artemio Franchi at the same time also on loan.
According to Tuttomercatoweb.com, the Black Cats have made an offer of €2 million plus Diakite for the 23-year-old Alonso.
Alonso is still with the Viola at their pre-season training camp in the Trentino village of Moena but negotiations are continuing between the two clubs.
A deal seems possible as Vincenzo Montella is keen on the French defender, while Sunderland boss Gustavo Poyet is thought to see Alonso as the perfect type of player for his style of football.
The Spanish midfielder did previously ask Montella and the Gigliati for assurances about his role at the club which they were unable to give him and therefore it is expected he will move to the Stadium of Light unless Montella intervenes to say he would like Alonso to stay at Fiorentina.
