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. 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. Pepe, 26, has become a fixture in Marcello Lippi's team and is expected to be a starter at the World Cup this summer. Transfer tussle: Sunderland target Pepe (left) is wanted by FiorentinaUdinese 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. Sunderland have scouted the player several times and know his signing could open the door to attracting other big names. The former Palermo player has scored six and provided four assists in 30 Serie A appearances this season. 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