Sunderland AFC news: Trio want midfielder, defender exit, Allardyce backed for England

Sunderland's bid to maximise their return on midfielder Giaccherini has been boosted by his displays in France, with the 31-year-old still expected to leave the Stadium of Light this summer.

Several Serie A clubs have been keeping tabs on Giaccherini - who only has a year remaining on his Sunderland contract - but his agent, Furio Valcareggi, admits there is also interest from elsewhere.

"There is Torino, Bologna and there is also a team abroad," he said.

Sunderland are making progress with the other players considered surplus to requirements by Sam Allardyce.

Santiago Vergini is expected to complete a move to Argentine side Boca Juniors by Monday after they have agreed a fee with Sunderland - thought to be around the £1.5million mark.

And midfielder Jordi Gomez is attracting interest from his former club Espanyol. Read the full story here.

Meanwhile, Allardyce himself is the subject of speculation today, with the ghostwriter of his autobiography claiming that he is interested in succeeding Roy Hodgson as England boss.

Allardyce has also received backing from ex-FA chairman David Bernstein, who believes the 61-year-old is the "powerful character" that England need.