Agent confirms Alonso set for Fiorentina return

MARCOS ALONSO’S agent has confirmed that the former Sunderland loanee will return to pre- season training at Fiorentina next week.

The Echo reported last week how Sunderland faced a test of patience in their hopes of re- signing Alonso, with the Spaniard due to report for Fiorentina’s 10- day training camp in northern Italy which begins on July 9.

Viola boss Vincenzo Montella wants to see first hand how Alonso has developed during his loan spell at the Stadium of Light during the second half of last season and whether he can provide effective competition for Italy international Manuel Pasqual.

Alonso’s father and agent Marcos Alonso snr expects the 23- yearold’s fate to be decided then, with Sunderland and West Ham both interested in a deal for the former Bolton man.

“After playing for six months without missing a game, Marcos is excited and ready to get back at the coach’s disposal,” he said.

“Now it’s up to Fiorentina to make a decision.

“Right now, we only know that he has been asked to begin preparing for pre- season and he still has two years of his contract ( with Fiorentina).”

Alonso impressed during his 20 appearances for Sunderland last season after becoming Gus Poyet’s first signing as Black Cats boss.

Sunderland remain hopeful that Alonso will return to Wearside, with centre- half Modibo Diakite - who went in the opposite direction on loan in January - mooted in a possible part exchange deal.

But Sunderland face the likelihood of returning to pre- season training next week without a recognised leftback on the books.