Rather than spend the proceeds on a direct replacement, Sunderland appear ready to give Westwood an opportunity to prove his credentials in pre-season.
The former Coventry goalkeeper has made just 12 starts since moving to the Black Cats in 2011, and his lack of first team football has led to him falling behind Millwall’s David Forde in the eyes of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.
He had been second choice to Shay Given prior to Euro 2012 and assumed the mantle after the Donegalman’s retirement.
Eight goals conceded in three World Cup qualifiers late last year did him no favours and Forde made the position his own after Westwood pulled out of a November friendly against Greece with a groin injury.
However, while Sunderland have considered moving for Celtic’s Fraser Forster and Reading’s Alex McCarthy, Di Canio has been impressed by Westwood’s attitude and is ready to back him this summer.
Source: Sunderland-Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
