Sunderland have slapped in an official offer to sign former Swansea City midfielder Jonathan de Guzman from Napoli.
The Black Cats are looking to do urgent business before the transfer window closes as they attempt to bolster their squad, having been stung into life following a poor start to the season.
Now De Guzman, who has Premier League experience under his belt due to a spell at Swansea City, is on their radar.
According to Italian broadcaster Sky Italia, the Black Cats have contacted Napoli with an offer to loan De Guzman for the season, with an obligation to buy, likely to be dependent upon a number of performance related factors.
Sunderland held a meeting with Napoli officials in Milan yesterday to push forward their bid for De Guzman, who is keen to return to the Premier League.
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However, Sunderland may face competition from Bournemouth, who are reported to have already made a move to sign the player.
The 27-year-old linked up with Napoli from Spanish outfit Villarreal last year, putting pen to paper on a contract running until 2018 with the Serie A side.
He has also been linked with French giants Marseille.
