Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone will remain with the Premier League club at least until the summer, according to claims in Italy. Mannone has been linked with Aston Villa in recent weeks, and also with a possible return to his home country.
However, Pickford sustained a knee injury in the recent defeat to Manchester United, which could rule him out for at least weeks. This has resulted in Mannone stepping back in as David Moyes’ number one, and the 28-year-old was in fine form during yesterday’s draw with Liverpool.
We reported last month Aston Villa could see Sunderland goalkeeper Mannone as a possible replacement for Pierluigi Gollini if he were to leave the Championship side in this window.
Inter Milan have been monitoring the Aston Villa youngster this season, and were considering the 21-year-old as back up for Samir Handanovic.