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The Italian media yesterday heavily suggested Sunderland were on the verge of making a £7million move for Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella.

The 30-year-old is definitely on his way out of the Turin club, who expect a bid from Norwich City for the player.

This would be an interesting move by Paolo Di Canio if he is to follow up his reported interest in Quagliarella.

At 30, he is slightly older than the other summer’s purchases, but has great experience and has managed 58 goals in his past six Serie A seasons, not a bad rate in Italian football.

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta didn’t name Quagliarella, but it is obvious that he is one who will be moved on in this transfer window.

Marotta said: “I don’t want to name names, but we have six strikers and we’ll keep only four of them.”

Quagliarella has scored 26 goals in 79 appearances for Juventus, with whom he has won consecutive titles over the past two years.

He has also bagged seven goals from 25 senior appearances for the Italian national side, so his credentials cannot be argued with.

While this deal does on the face it seem unlikely, many respected Italian media outlets were yesterday reporting Sunderland’s interest as fact.

In an interview given several months ago, Quagliarella revealed that he would like to play in England.

He said: “I don’t know where I will be next season. Maybe I will stay in Italy, but I like the Premier League and would be interested in a move.”

Quagliarella played for Sampdoria, Udinese and Napoli before moving to Juventus four years ago for ï¿½4m.

Sunderland have signed nine players so far and it could be argued that only Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini are established top-class players.

Given his squad is relatively young, a proven goalscorer from one of Europe’s top leagues could well be a major temptation for Di Canio.

The Black Cats boss remains hopeful of signing long-term target Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, despite interest from both Hull City and Fulham.

One thing for certain is that there is still some work to be done at the Stadium of Light before the window closes.

Three players – captain Lee Cattermole, David Vaughan and Phil Bardsley – will be shipped out before the end of this month.

James McClean has already joined Wigan Athletic as Di Canio backed up his words of last season that “everything would change” at Sunderland.

Carlos Cuellar has confirmed Di Canio’s pre-season has been tough.

Three sessions a day have been the norm for Sunderland’s players since they returned.

The Spaniard played in last Wednesday’s win over Danish side Midtjylland and feels ready for the new season.

Cuellar said: “Pre-season has been tough. We have done lots of work on our fitness and we have had games in Italy and Hong Kong.

“It was nice to be involved in Denmark

“But overall it was good for the team to get the victory and to keep a clean sheet.

“We went there wanting to win and get a result and we did it in good fashion.”