Black Cats confident of landing Chelsea’s out-of-favour Van Ginkel

Sunderland’s newly-appointed Dutch boss Dick Advocaat will be desperate to avoid another relegation battling campaign in his first full season in charge, and will look to Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel to strengthen his squad for the challenge.

The 22-year-old Dutchman is another Stamford Bridge youngster who has fallen victim of the constant flow of high-profile Blues signings and lack of youth promotion to their first-team, having been shipped out on loan to AC Milan last season.

With Jose Mourinho looking to retain the Premier League title next term, 6/4 with Coral to do so, the Portuguese boss may see Van Ginkel as an unnecessary requirement in his squad for that attempt at further silverware success.

Van Ginkel signed for Chelsea in 2013 for a reported £8m, but his career in London never took off as the two-cap Netherlands international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament during his debut campaign, ruling him out for seven months.

On his return to fitness, the former Netherlands Under-21 star was loaned to the San Siro giants but endured yet another troublesome term which was hampered by further injuries.

Black Cats boss Advocaat will hope to offer Van Ginkel a platform on which to revive his career in the top-flight, but will have to do so swiftly, with bitter rivals Newcastle United also reportedly interested in the Dutchman’s services.