Torino Did increase their offer for wantaway midfielder Ndong

DIDIER Ndong is reportedly close to sealing a £6.6m move to Italian Serie A side Torino.

The Sunderland midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League side Watford – but did not play a single minute for the Hornets.

He is understood to be keen to leave Wearside this summer.

Sunderland owner Stewart Donald said in an interview yesterday the club had rejected a bid of €3m for an unnamed player and a second bid of €7.5m had been made.

That second sum is consistent with the fee Torino are reported to have offered for Ndong.

Donald said: “We have a player at the moment we were offered €3m for.

“We said no and all of a sudden they said €7.5m – that is a much more acceptable figure - and we might be close on that one. “I think the view from the potential buyer was we would be desperate just to take the €3m - but not a chance.” Gabon international Ndong joined Sunderland from Lorient two years ago in a deal which was worth up to £13.8m. However, the midfielder has not made the grade on Wearside.

He failed to prevent relegation from the Premier League and then was shipped out on loan earlier this year.

Ndong has made 49 League appearances for the Black Cats, scoring one goal.

He was sent off in his last appearance for the club at Cardiff City in January.