Chelsea transfer would be a dream for Emanuele Giaccherini says agent

Italy and Sunderland attacking midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini is interested in reuniting with incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, according to the player's agent. The 31-year-old is currently part of the Azzuri side managed by Conte at the European Championships, though his club career has stalled of late.

Having struggled to make an impression during two seasons with Sunderland, Giaccherini spent last term back in Serie A, on loan with Bologna, where he scored seven goals in 28 outings. His contract in the north east has just 12 months to run, making his future unclear having yet to make an appearance during Sam Allardyce's reign in charge.

And in an attempt to reignite his career his agent Furio Valcareggi has linked his client with a move to Chelsea – who Conte will join after concluding his duties with Italy at Euro 2016. Giaccherini played under the Italian during his two-year spell at Juve and would relish the opportunity to link up with the coach for a second time at club level.

"Giaccherini is a player who played 80% of the games for a Juventus that had [Paul] Pogba, [Andrea] Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal and [Claudio] Marchisio in the midfield," his representative told SportItalia, according to Sky Sports. "Conte likes him a lot and Chelsea would be a dream. It's still too early to talk about his future. After the Euros, whoever wants to buy him will not have to pay a high price to Sunderland."

With Conte yet to officially begin his tenure as Chelsea manager – taking over from Guus Hiddink after his second interim spell in charge at Stamford Bridge – the club are yet to make any significant transfer decisions ahead of the new season. Four players have however been released by the Blues, including Stipe Perica who has moved to Udinese for an undisclosed fee after failing to make a single appearance for the club during his three-year spell.