Sunderland have agreed a deal for defender Modibo Diakite, who is set to arrive from Lazio on a free transfer.
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The 26-year-old Senegalese player will become Paolo Di Canio's first major signing since he became manager of the Black Cats at the end of March.
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Diakite could be joined in the heart of the defence by Maritimo centre-back Valentin Roberge, who is also a target.
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The Italian has been critical of the current squad and said he is looking to sign six players during the summer.
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Di Canio needs to recruit more defenders with Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon set to leave on free transfers, while on loan full-back Danny Rose has returned to his parent club Tottenham.
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Diakite, whose contract with Lazio expires next month, joined the Serie A club in 2006 and helped them qualify for the 2007-08 Champions League.
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However, the defender suffered a serious leg injury at the start of the following season and missed the rest of the campaign.
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The France-born player lost his place in the Lazio first team because of a shin injury and failed to regain his spot.
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Last month, the player's agent was quoted as stating that Diakite was "not far from an agreement with Napoli", while he was also linked with a move to Liverpool.
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Frenchman Roberge, 25, is in the final few months of his contract with his Portuguese side and can move on a free transfer on 1 July.