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Yann M’Vila is close to rejoining Sunderland, according to reports in Russia.

The midfielder spent last season on loan with the Black Cats playing a central role in the battle to Premier League safety - playing in all but one of Sunderland’s 38 league games last season.

M’Vila returned to Russian side Rubin Kazan this summer but was told immediately he was not part of their plans and was free to leave with just six months remaining on his contract. He has been made to train with the reserves.

And now Russian publication Izvestia claim sources close to player are saying a deal between the two clubs is close, with a four-year contract also mentioned.

M’Vila has been vocal about his desire to return to the Stadium of Light next season, despite interest from elsewhere - notably Everton.

However, uncertainty at Sunderland brought about by Sam Allardyce’s England departure has delayed negotiations.

The Black Cats were thought to be asking Kazan to allow the player to leave on a free to subsidise the wages they’ll likely have to shell out on the Frenchman. It’s reported he earns over £100,000 per-week in Russia.

Rubin Kazan refused that request before the Allardyce situation brought negotiations to a temporary end.

Now with David Moyes in charge at Sunderland - a known admirer of the 26-year-old midfielder - it seems negotiations have begun again, with people close to the player confident a deal - which would see Rubin Kazan get some kind of fee - is close to being agreed.

The news will no doubt delight Sunderland fans who were eager to see him return. He is likely to become their first summer signing and the first of the new David Moyes era.

Rubin Kazan refused to comment when asked about the situation by Izvestia.