Source: Daily_Mail
Sunderland set to battle Fiorentina for £15m Udinese winger Simone Pepe
Sunderland face competition from Fiorentina in their bid to sign Italy winger Simone Pepe from Udinese. [LNB]Steve Bruce is determined to take the £15million-rated player to Wearside, but reports in Italy suggest he is close to agreeing a move to stay in Serie A with La Viola. [LNB]Pepe, 26, has become a fixture in Marcello Lippi's team and is expected to be a starter at the World Cup this summer. [LNB] Transfer tussle: Sunderland target Pepe (left) is wanted by Fiorentina[LNB]Udinese are struggling for cash and will look to sell after the World Cup when they are banking on his stock to rise even further, though Fiorentina are looking for a quick move to see off interest from England. [LNB]Sunderland have scouted the player several times and know his signing could open the door to attracting other big names. [LNB]The former Palermo player has scored six and provided four assists in 30 Serie A appearances this season. [LNB] Sunderland join Premier League trio in chase for £8m Argentine BoselliSunderland keeper Gordon to go under the knife after Wolves clashMeyler set to miss start of next season after rupturing knee ligamentsPremier League players of the season: Club-by-club guide to 2009-2010SUNDERLAND FC
