Inter Milan have granted permission for Sunderland to open negotiations for long term Black Cats target Sulley Muntari. The Ghanaian star, who spent the 2007-08 season in the Premier League with Portsmouth, is expected to move to the Stadium of Light on loan until the end of the season if talks are a success.
The Wearsiders appear to have stolen a march on Liverpool and Tottenham who have also been linked with the player during the current transfer window.
Muntari has been out of favour at Inter this season under successive coaches Rafael Benitez and Leonardo, making just 12 appearances and only one Serie A start.
If he arrives at the Stadium of Light he would join his Ghana team-mates.