Roma join chase for Sunderland target

Sunderland target Jan Vertonghen is being lined up for a summer move to Italy by Roma.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the Ajax defender has been identified as a priority target by the Serie A side who want to add fresh blood to their ageing backline.

The Belgium international, who is an international team-mate of Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen, has also been linked with a move to the Emirates but it was Sunderland who reportedly tried to sign him in January.

But their bid was not close to Ajax's valuation, understood to be around the £10m mark, and he remained in Holland.

The Eredivisie side are now bracing themselves for summer interest, with Roma currently weighing up an offer.