Sunderland to take Rey Manaj on loan?

Albanian striker Rey Manaj has been linked with a loan transfer move to Sunderland. The 18-year-old currently plays at Italian Serie A side Inter Milan and has been told he can leave this month to gain more top flight experience.

Manaj recently made his full debut for Internazionale and Albania's first teams but is not expected to hold down a regular first team spot until at least next season. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce is looking to bring in attacking support for Jermain Defoe this month as his club look to survive relegation to the Championship.

Rey Manaj is considered one of Serie A's best young players and has spent all of his footballing career in Italy; with the likes of Piacenza, Cremonese and a short loan spell with Sampdoria.