Sunderland after Loic Perrin?

There are reports this afternoon that Sunderland are set to make an audacious swoop for St. Etienne midfielder Loic Perrin. Arsenal and Roma are among the other clubs interested in the French midfielder who impressed in Ligue 1 last year.

Roy Keane had previously indicated that a move for a midfielder was one of his top priorities, and Perrin comes with a healthy repetoire of abilities, and is renowned in France for his tough tackling abilities.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had already been interested in the Frenchman, but a deal failed to materialise after the player's club failed to agree terms with the Gunners. Les Verts were reportedly looking for £8 million for the player that was primarily earmarked as the long term replacement for Mathieu Flamini.