PATRICK VAN AANHOLT has told Sunderland supporters his best is yet to come after signing a new four-year deal that commits him to the Stadium of Light to 2020.

Van Aanholt quashed any speculation over his future when he put pen to paper on his new contract yesterday, and the Dutchman is determined to continue his rapid rate of personal progress when he returns to action next season.

Last term, the 25-year-old full-back was Sunderland’s most improved player as he put a shaky start to the season behind him to produce a string of eye-catching displays under Sam Allardyce.

As well as improving the quality of his defensive work, he also ended the campaign with six Premier League goals, and with his new deal set to encompass some of the most productive years of his career, he is confident he can continue improving.

“Two years ago, I had no Premier League experience in my legs,” said van Aanholt, who joined Sunderland in a £1.5m move from Chelsea in July 2014. “That’s why I came here, to get more experience.

“I’ve played two years in the Premier League, and I think I’ve shown everyone what I’m capable of. Now it’s time to develop it. I’ve signed a new deal and I’m happy here, so it’s time to move on.”

Always regarded as an effective attacking full-back, there were question marks over van Aanholt’s defending in the early stages of his Sunderland career.

His performances under Dick Advocaat at the start of last season were extremely erratic, but Allardyce has worked closely with all of his back four, dedicating at least one training session a week to defensive work.

That has clearly paid dividends with van Aanholt, and Allardyce’s presence in the dug-out was a key factor in the Holland international’s willingness to sign a new deal.

“He gave me a chance again,” said the full-back, in an interview with Sunderland's official website. “I didn’t start the season very well under Dick, but when the new boss came in, he gave me all the confidence I needed.

“I paid him back on the pitch, and I think I’ve done that right. He’s been working with me in training and in games, but it’s not just him, it’s the whole staff. They’ve all been working with me, and I’m very happy with that.

“When he (Allardyce) came in, the team was not really balanced and all over the place. He changed a couple of things to try to get us to play his own style and it worked out. At the end of the season we were safe, and that was what we were aiming for.”

When Sunderland return to action next season, however, they will be aiming to avoid yet another relegation fight.

The Black Cats have spent the last four seasons frantically battling against the drop, but having generated a considerable amount of momentum in the final four months of last term, there a mood of optimism ahead of the start of pre-season training.

Allardyce has arranged a training camp in Austria to ensure his players will be in peak physical condition once the new campaign begins, and van Aanholt is hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s struggles.

“The objective? Stay in the Premier League and have a good season with the team,” said van Aanholt. “We had it (the end of a successful survival battle) against Arsenal last year and now against Everton.

“But now it’s time to move on and start the season right, and I think with this boss we’ll be in good hands.”

Allardyce was determined to make van Aanholt’s new deal one of his earliest summer priorities, and is delighted to have resolved the situation so quickly.

“Patrick was an outstanding performer last season, contributing not only solid defensive performances, but also assists and vital goals,” said the Sunderland boss. “It’s fantastic to be able to secure the long-term services of such a talented footballer and athlete, who will hopefully continue to improve here for many years to come.”

Meanwhile, Bologna’s new sporting director has admitted the club are struggling to put together an acceptable financial package in order to sign Emanuele Giaccherini.

Giaccherini spent last season on loan at Bologna, and the Serie A side would like to sign him permanently this summer.

However, with Sunderland looking to recoup the majority of the £6.5m they shelled out to sign the 31-year-old in 2013, Bologna are struggling to fund a deal, with the winger’s £30,000-a-week wages representing another significant stumbling block.

“We are evaluating the situation,” said Riccardo Biggon, who was recently confirmed as Bologna’s new backroom chief. “We have already met Sunderland, but there are significant costs involved.”