Sunderland have been trying to sign Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari on a loan deal but have been constantly thwarted by the Italians. However, Inter have now confirmed that the former Portsmouth player has handed in a transfer request at the San Siro.

The 26 year old has spent much of the Serie A campaign either on the bench or making substitute appearances and is keen to get away for more regular first team football.

Muntari is now hoping to force Inter's hand with this formal transfer request.

Technical director Marco Branca has confirmed Muntari has asked the club to leave the San Siro.

"He [Muntari] has made himself available to leave as long as a team wants him and is interested in him," Branca told Sky Italia.

"He is a lad who is close to us, he is a good person, even though he expresses opinions of someone who wants to play."