Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio has warned his players of a tough fitness regime ahead.

He has hinted at what his Black Cats players can expect while continuing to lay down the law.

Di Canio said: "When they come back they're going to work three times a day, so it would be crazy to have put too much weight on in a short space of time.

"How can it be possible to come back with 7kg extra? They have one month off and then one month to work at a high intensity level and if they do not do that right, then in September, they'll still be heavy.

"You can't work if you've put 7kg on your shoulders.

"When I played, I came back with a player who was 10 or 11kg over and he didn't play all season because he had injury problems. I can imagine 2kg, because you can run, swim and play tennis as well as having a bit of food or drink - so you can keep a handle on the situation.

"You can accept 2kg because after a few days back sweating in five-a-sides that will soon go.

"But 5 or 6kg? That is not acceptable. We have to be serious about what we want to do."