Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini would welcome Chelsea move, says agent

Italy's midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini (centre) scores against Belgium

Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini would welcome the opportunity to work under Antonio Conte once again when he takes over at Chelsea, according to the player’s agent.

Giaccherini spent last season on loan at Serie A side Bologna having failed to secure a permanent place in the Black Cats side since signing from Juventus for £6.5m in 2013.

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The 31-year-old was selected by former Juve boss Conte in Italy's Euro 2016 squad and scored the opening goal in the Azzurri's 2-0 win over Belgium in their opening Group E fixture.

Despite struggling in the Premier League, Giaccherini has performed well in his home country and appeared set to continue his career in the Italian top-flight.

But the player's agent - Furio Valcareggi - has suggested his client could be open to a move to Stamford Bridge.

"Giaccherini is a player who played 80 per cent of the games for a Juventus that had Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal and Marchisio in the midfield," Valcareggi told SportItalia.

Giaccherini has hardly featured for Sunderland

"Conte likes him a lot and Chelsea would be a dream.

"It's still too early to talk about his future. After the Euros, whoever wants to buy him will not have to pay a high price to Sunderland."