Sunderland transfer news: Sunderland boss David Moyes offers World Cup winning goalkeeper chance to impress

DAVID MOYES is close to solving his goalkeeper crisis by offering former Chelsea and AC Milan stopper Marco Amelia a trial with Sunderland.

The 34-year old Italian international was released by the Stamford Bridge side this summer and remains a free agent, allowing the Black Cats to sign him up outside of the transfer window.

Moyes is desperate to add cover for youngster Jordan Pickford after missing out last week on a deadline day deal for Boavista’s Mika.

Regular No1 Vito Mannone is sidelined for three months with torn elbow ligaments leaving 22-year-old Pickford to don the gloves.

Amelia acted as cover for Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic at Chelsea last season and is keen to stay in England, with Championship side Nottingham Forest also reportedly interested.

Moyes has made the first move, however, by inviting him to train on Wearside in the hope that he impresses enough to earn a contract.

Amelia has played for nine different clubs since breaking through into Livorno’s senior side in 2001.

He was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup winning squad and also has a Serie A title medal from his time at Milan.