An update has emerged regarding Sunderland's attempts to bring in Vito Mannone on deadline day of the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

Journalist Ross Gregory claimed that he had heard a "little whisper" that the Black Cats may make a swoop to sign the Italian free agent.

TalkSport's Phil Spencer followed that up by revealing that he has been told that the goalkeeper is on Wearside at the Academy of Light to secure a move to the club, and that he may not be the last player to arrive.

He tweeted: "It's been suggested to me that Vito Mannone is at the Sunderland training ground with a view to completing a return to the club. The Black Cats also looking for a central defender before tonight's 11pm deadline."

Mowbray should be delighted

Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray should be delighted with this news, as the former Arsenal 'keeper could provide valuable experience and quality to the group for the rest of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 34-year-old has been around the block, with 251 career matches at senior club level, and he could be a mentor to Anthony Patterson whilst also pushing him for a place in the team.

Sunderland-supporting journalist Josh Bunting put his backing behind the potential signing, tweeting: "I’d be happy with Vito Mannone back, I feel he’d work well under Mowbray but also offer advice to Anthony Patterson and just guide him. For leadership and experience in the group he’s a good reliable option to be called upon. Good for the dressing room. Makes sense #SAFC."

The Italian has played 80 Championship games, most recently with Reading in the 2018/19 season, and has experience playing in the Premier League, MLS, and Ligue 1.

He only played two matches in all competitions for Monaco last term but was pressed into making nine appearances in the French top flight in 2020/21, keeping two clean sheets in that time.

Of course, he is also familiar with Sunderland after playing 80 games for the Black Cats earlier in his career, keeping 22 shut-outs in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Patterson has only played 34 times for Sunderland at first-team level and is an inexperienced member of the squad at the age of 22.

Mannone could come in and impart his knowledge on the youngster to help him progress and fulfil his potential, whilst also providing competition for the shirt and preventing the current number one from becoming complacent.

Therefore, Mowbray should be delighted with this smart piece of prospective business and will be hoping that his goalkeepers push each other on this season.