SUNDERLAND are close to completing the £1.5m sale of Emanuele Giaccherini to Napoli.

Despite claims to the contrary earlier in the day, The Northern Echo understands that the 31-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with the Italian club.

Giaccherini has been highly-sought after in his homeland since following up a productive season with Bologna on loan by turning in impressive performances for Italy at the Euros.

Chelsea had been credited with a slight interest following Antonio Conte's decision to take over at Stamford Bridge, but such a move always looked more fanciful.

But Napoli are hoping to announce that the deal has been concluded in the next 48 hours and former Sunderland sporting director Roberto de Fanti has been a key broker in the deal.

Giaccherini will sign a three-year contract in Naples and Sunderland are willing to let the playmaker go for a low price because he only has 12 months remaining on his contract at the Stadium of Light.

Fiorentina and Bologna were both hoping to strike an agreement with Sunderland and the player but Napoli have got things done first.