The Black Cats confirmed Diakite's exit in a one-line statement on their official website. Diakite was signed on a free transfer from Lazio last summer but fell out of favour with boss Gus Poyet, making only eight appearances for the club. The 27-year-old is reportedly lining up a return to Serie A with Fiorentina favourites for his signature.Full Story »

Sky Sports sources understand Sunderland have agreed to sign centre-back Modibo Diakite from Lazio. The two clubs have reached agreement on a fee for the French 26-year-old and he looks set to be one of the first signings made by boss Paolo Di Canio, as he begins to re-shape the squad. Everton and Liverpool have also been linked with Diakite, who fell out of favour somewhat at Lazio last sea...Full Story »

The player's representative says his client has rejected a lucrative deal from Eastern Europe, adding that they hope a move to Napoli can be completed soon The agent of Lazio's Modibo Diakite says the Frenchman has turned down a big-money offer from Russia. The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and has been strongly linked with a move to Napoli. "Diakite has turned down a...Full Story »

Novara maintained hope of staying in Serie A with a narrow 2-1 win over Lazio - and complicated the Biancoceleste's push for a Champions League spot in the process. An own goal from Mobido Diakite put Novara in front against the run of play in the 35th minute, but Antonio Candreva replied immediately. As Lazio pushed for a winner, former Napoli striker Giuseppe Mascara did his ex-club a favour...Full Story »

MILAN (AP)—Catania came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Napoli in Serie A on Sunday after late goals from Nicolas Spolli and substitute Davide Lanzafame. Napoli appeared to be cruising to victory after second-half goals from Blerim Dzemaili and Edinson Cavani. But Spolli pulled one back in the 75th and Lanzafame equalized in the 80th, two minutes after coming off the bench. The r...Full Story »

Lazio strengthened their hold on third place in Serie A with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Cagliari. Just as the game at the Stadio Olimpico appeared to be heading for a stalemate, Lazio's Mobido Diakite headed in Cristian Ledesma's cross two minutes from time to hand the Biancoceleste three valuable points. Lazio hold the last Champions League qualifying spot and are three points clear of closest...Full Story »