RUMOURED ROEFS DEAL

Sunderland look set to secure one of their key assets to a long term deal, with reports suggesting Florent Ghisolfi will extend Robin Roefs' stay at Sunderland with an improved long-term contract.

The Dutch international joined the Black Cats at the start of last season and instantly became a fan favourite. The 23-year-old played a vital part in earning Sunderland a seventh place finish last season and quickly became a huge asset to Sunderland, behind the likes of Granit Xhaka.

The new deal would see Roefs be rewarded for last season's European qualification, while also keeping competition away from the young shot-stopper. The contract will see his stay extended until 2031 and gives Sunderland security over his long term future.

Roefs is seen as an important player for the Black Cats’ future. Last season, upon his arrival from NEC Nijmegen, he made 35 appearances in the Premier League and earned an impressive 10 clean sheets. In the last year, Roefs has received his first call up for the Dutch international side as well as joining up with Sunderland number nine, Brian Brobbey, at last summer's World Cup.

As reported by James Copley, from the Sunderland Echo, the deal is still yet to be finalised but there is growing optimism that Sunderland are in a great position to tie down the talented keeper in the next few days.