Sunderland look set to be scuppered in their efforts to sign Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso after the player's agent claimed his client is likely to sign a new contract with the Italian side.
The 24-year-old, who had a loan stint at Sunderland in 2014, has been linked with a return to the Stadium of Light as manager Dick Advocaat sends out an early SOS amid a poor start to the new Premier League season.
But Alonso is eyeing an extended stay with La Viola by putting pen to paper on a new contract with the Serie A club.
"Marcos feels good in Florence and he gets along well with new coach Paulo Sousa", Alonso's agent was quoted as saying by Eurosport.
"I am optimistic about his extension. There should not be any problems", he added.
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Alonso is a product of Real Madrid's youth system and was a regular for the club's second string, Real Madrid Castilla.
He moved on to Bolton Wanderers in 2010, getting his first taste of English football, before then joining Fiorentina in 2013.
Former Sunderland manager Gus Poyet took him to the Stadium of Light on loan in 2014.
