Vito Mannone agrees two-year deal with Sunderland despite Costel Pantilimon's arrival from Manchester City

  • Sunderland's Vito Mannone has rubbished claims he gave the club a transfer request
  • Reports in Italy suggested he was unhappy about the Black Cat's signing of fellow goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon on a four-year-deal
  • Mannone has released a statement revealing his desire to stay

By Simon Jones for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:30 EST, 27 June 2014 | Updated: 19:09 EST, 27 June 2014

Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone has agreed a two-year contract extension at the Stadium of Light.

The deal comes despite the arrival of Costel Pantilimon, the towering 6ft 8in Romanian who's been Joe Hart's No 2 at Manchester City.

Mannone dismissed claims this week that he had handed in a transfer request following the signing of Pantilimon.

Bring it on: Vito Mannone has signed a two-year contract extension despite the arrival of Costel Pantilimon

Bring it on: Vito Mannone has signed a two-year contract extension despite the arrival of Costel Pantilimon

Healthy: Sunderland's Mannone says he welcomes competition for his Black Cats starting spot

Healthy: Sunderland's Mannone says he welcomes competition for his Black Cats starting spot

Rival: Reports in Italy suggested that Mannone was unhappy at the arrival goalkeeper of Costel Pantilimon

Rival: Reports in Italy suggested that Mannone was unhappy at the arrival goalkeeper of Costel Pantilimon

 

Suggestions came from Mannone's native Italy that he was unhappy following the Black Cats' capture of Pantilimon earlier this month and their impending battle for Gus Poyet's No 1 spot.

However, the 26-year-old, who established himself as a firm favorite with the club's fans last season, is in no mood to move aside.

He said in a statement: 'I don't know where this false speculation is coming from, but I want to let supporters know that there is absolutely nothing in it.

'I have not asked for a transfer and I have no intention of doing so. Why would I?

'I love Sunderland and the Sunderland fans. I enjoyed last season and am looking forward to next season, and hope we can reward the fans by winning something.'

Safe hands: Mannone starred for Sunderland as they avoided relegation and reached the Capital One Cup final

Safe hands: Mannone starred for Sunderland as they avoided relegation and reached the Capital One Cup final

High ball: Manchester City's former second-string keeper stands 6ft 8in

High ball: Manchester City's former second-string keeper stands 6ft 8in

Sunderland's out-of-contract keepers Keiren Westwood and Oscar Ustari left at the end of the season so reinforcement of that area was no surprise. 

Mannone welcomed competition for his starting spot.

He said: 'I welcome the arrival of another goalkeeper at the club. All big clubs need cover in all positions.

'The manager told me some time ago that he would be bringing someone else in because two keepers were leaving, but he also told me I am his number one, and that's good enough for me.'

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