Former Newcastle defender Davide Santon set to join Sundeland from Inter Milan
Black Cats to pay £3million for the Italian international who will become boss Sam Allardyce’s first summer signing
SUNDERLAND boss Sam Allardyce’s first summer signing looks set to be former Newcastle defender Davide Santon.
The 25-year-old Italian full-back, who spent four years with Toon before leaving for Inter Milan 18 months ago, was having a medical on Friday.
And now he appears on course to make a return to the north-east for around £3million after making just 11 appearances for the Serie A giants last season.
The lack of game time saw him miss out on his countries Euro 2016 squad and not add to his eight caps.
Santon, who made 94 appearances for the Magpies, has left Inter’s pre-season training camp and headed for Wearside for his medical.
He had also been a target for his former St James’ Park boss Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace.
But what worked in favour of the Stadium of Light side is that Santon’s partner, Chloe Sanderson, is from Tyneside and the couple are keen to return to the region.
Santon predominantly operated at left-back during his time at Newcastle, but is right-footed and equally comfortable on the opposite side.
In his first season he helped Toon finish fifth in the Premier League before he fell out of favour with Pardew and left for Inter, initially on loan.