Sunderland have opened discussions with Monaco goalkeeper Vito Mannone over a potential return to the Stadium of Light this summer [Roker Report].

The Lowdown: Sunderland chase promotion

Starting off 2021/22 encouragingly with three wins out of four, Lee Johnson will be keen to build from a position of strength as he targets promotion from the English third tier.

Recruiting intelligently in the transfer market, the Black Cats have acquired six additions in the form of Dennis Cirkin, Callum Doyle, Corry Evans, Alex Pritchard, Frederik Alves and Nathan Broadhead [Transfermarkt].

Now, they could be set to move for an ex-fan favourite following recent reports.

The Latest: Black Cats eye shock move for cult hero Mannone

Talks over a prospective deal have taken place with Mannone, however no imminent breakthrough is expected as of yet [Roker Report].

Sunderland are evaluating all options as they bid to improve the quality of their roster, and the player is mooted to be interested in returning to the North East.

His contract at Ligue 1 Monaco is due to expire next summer, leaving the door ajar with regards to his next steps.

In 2020/21, the Italian managed to record two clean sheets in nine appearances for his current employers [Transfermarkt], suggesting he may look elsewhere in search of more regular playing time.

Much-loved by Sunderland supporters for his exploits at the club, Mannone would be a very popular piece of business should he decide to join Johnson’s men in the next two weeks.

Of course, his most famed actions for Sunderland came at Old Trafford, saving two penalties in the famous Capital One Cup semi-final shootout that saw the Black Cats book a place at Wembley at the expense of Manchester United [BBC].

Once labelled as ‘outstanding’ by former boss Gus Poyet, Sunderland should look to pursue his signature as a matter of priority [Daily Mail].

In other news, Sunderland fans slam one of their key men. Find out more here.