Sunderland have confirmed that defender Modibo Diakite has left the club by mutual consent.

The 27-year-old, who made the move to the Stadium of Light from Lazio in 2013, has failed to impress during his short stint in the North-East and is now on the search for a new side.

It was reported earlier this week that as many as 10 clubs were interested in signing the centre-back, with Fiorentina said to be his preferred destination following a successful loan spell at the Serie A outfit in the second half of last season.

Diakite has also been linked with Sampdoria, Palermo and Inter Milan in recent weeks.