Sunderland boss Paolo di Canio has identified his chief scout.

The Evening Chronicle says Inter Milan chief scout Valentino Angeloni is the man Sunderland want to replace Pop Robson as their top talent-spotter.

The Black Cats are set to confirm Italian agent Roberto De Fanti as their director of football this summer and are keen to bring in Angeloni to work under him.

Angeloni made his reputation with Udinese before moving to the San Siro last summer to take up his current role with Inter.

It is understood that Angeloni was lined up for a move to Sunderland before the end of the Premier League season, but the deal was put on ice until the Black Cats' top-flight status was assured.

And now that situation has been resolved, Angeloni will come on board.