Alonso close to Sunderland switch

Sunderland are close to signing former Bolton Wanderers defender Marcos Alonso on loan from Fiorentina, according to the Mail Online.

The 22 year old, who was once part of Real Madrid’s youth team has fallen out of favour with the Serie A side, and is expected on Wearside to finalise talks over a temporary switch this week.

Alonso made forty-six appearances for the Trotters before moving to Italy in the summer, but has made just one league start since arriving in Florence.

Mackems boss Gus Poyet is keen on signing a new left back as he has no one to rival Italy intentional Andrea Dossena, the only specialist he has in that position.

Sunderland, who secured a shock victory at Everton on Boxing Day, are now just three points off safety ahead of their trip to managerless Cardiff City tomorrow afternoon, and they can now be backed at a price of 5/6 to avoid relegation.