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Sunderland tried a last ditch attempt to sign Napoli’s Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael, according claims in the Italian media. The Premier League side were keen to bring in an experienced goalkeeper before last week’s deadline because of the recent injury to first choice Vito Mannone.

Calciomercato have claimed Sunderland tried to sign Rafael on a permanent deal after Manchester City’s Joe Hart took the decision to join Torino on loan for the season. Hart had been Sunderland’s first choice to bring in during the window when it became apparent he was surplus to requirements at the Etihad, but because their bid came in so late for Rafael, Napoli had to turn it down.

The Serie A side wanted to bring in a replacement for Rafael in order provide back up to Pepe Reina, and despite being linked with Atalanta’s Marco Sportiello throughout the summer they missed out on him. Their failure to sign the young goalkeeper subsequently resulted in Napoli having to reject Sunderland’s offer for Rafael.

The North East side were also linked with fellow Serie A keeper Daniele Padelli, but Torino wanted the 30-year-old to be their No.2 behind Hart.

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