Roberto de Fanti must give up his career as a football agent if he is to join Sunderland.

The Evening Chronicle says De Fanti has been working on a consultancy basis at Sunderland over the last fortnight, and will be installed in a director of football-style role - the exact job title has yet to be decided - in the summer, to oversee recruitment.

But he will first have to give up his FIFA agent's licence, as it is against regulations for him to hold a dual role.