Sunderland's desire helped clinch the deal for Modibo Diakite to join the club.
The 26-year old French centre-back joined the Black Cats on a free transfer last month after leaving Lazio with Ulisse Savani admitting the Wearside club wanted him more than other interested parties which included Inter Milan and Napoli.
"The reasons why Inter and Napoli did not take Diakite are several and they are not economic reasons, but rather that Sunderland showed they really wanted him," Savani told tuttomercatoweb.com.
"We are grateful and the player is delighted to have become their player."
