Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 12th July: Part One

Sunderland have managed to sign 28-year-old Italian midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini for £6.8m despite Juventus’s original valuation of nearly £11m. The club are also closing in on Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, 26, who is unsettled at White Hart Lane.

Emanuele Giaccherini

What’s the story? Giaccherini is a real coup for Sunderland and bizarrely different from the bits and bobs signings they’ve made elsewhere.

Does it make sense? Giaccherini is a hard runner and gritty battler so will bring some fight to Sunderland. He’s not particularly subtle though. Huddlestone does need to start somewhere and Sunderland desperately need a player who can pass the football.

Is the price right? £6.8m would be a good price for his professionalism and desire. Huddlestone would be a good signing for £5m or so.

Will it happen? 9/10 – Giaccherini 6/10 – Huddlestone: he’s got quality on the ball but does he work hard enough for Di Canio?

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