Sunderland set sights on summer swoop for Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton

Following a successful Premier League survival bid this season, Sunderland will now turn attentions towards bolstering their stuttering squad in order to avoid another relegation battle next term, and Celtic’s talented midfielder Nir Bitton is high on the priority list this summer.

The Black Cats secured their top-flight status under the guidance of Dick Advocaat, with a goalless draw against Arsenal being enough to keep them in the top tier and avoid needing a final day result over champions Chelsea (8/1 with Coral to win), but a £5m move for in-form Bitton could boost central areas for next season.

Israel international midfielder Bitton has been one of the Bhoys’ star performers in another trophy-laden campaign in Scotland, having helped the Hoops clinch both a League Cup triumph and a fourth consecutive Premiership title.

The 23-year-old former Ashdod maestro was almost part of a treble winning side under Norwegian boss Ronny Deila, having been dramatically toppled by Inverness in the Scottish FA Cup semi-final clash last month in extra-time, as the club reached their first-ever final outing against outsiders Falkirk (5/2).

Nevertheless, in-form Bitton has been an impressive anchorman in the heart of Celtic’s midfield, having signed a deal at Parkhead in 2013 for £700k, and the in-form Israeli enforcer is exactly the calibre of player Sunderland are seeking.