After failing to settle in new countries and clubs, a deal was struck during the January transfer window between the two clubs that ensured both return to the shores in which they had had far more prosperous times.
However, while the Spaniard has flourished during Sunderland’s successful battle with relegation and journey to the Capital One Cup final, former Lazio man Diakite has found starts much harder to come by in Florence and Tuttomercatoweb report this as a potential problem for any deal.
Making just nine Serie A appearances for the Viola, the Frenchman has not managed to convince Vincezo Montella that he is integral to his future plans and the club may prefer a cash deal with the English club keen to retain the 23-year-old full-back.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton