Sunderland pull out of deal to sign Davide Santon

Sunderland have pulled out of a deal to sign Inter Milan full-back Davide Santon after negotiations between the two clubs broke down.

The former Newcastle defender travelled to the North East for talks and a medical after a fee had reportedly been agreed for the Italy international.

However, Sam Allardyce's side announced on Friday evening in a short statement the deal to sign the 25-year-old was off.

The statement read: "Sunderland AFC will not be pursuing its interest in Inter Milan player Davide Santon, after negotiations between the two clubs failed to reach a positive conclusion."

Santon, who can play on both sides of defence, made more than 90 appearances for Newcastle over a three-year period before returning to his former club Inter Milan initially on loan in January 2015.

The 25-year-old, whose long-term partner is from Newcastle, has also been reportedly linked with Crystal Palace.

Sunderland have had an £11m bid for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho rejected in June, and the Senegal international handed in a transfer request on Thursday.