Kyle Lafferty set for a surprise overseas switch after his Sunderland exit

The experienced striker joined the Black Cats in January and netted just twice before the League One season was curtailed – with both goals coming in a 2-2 draw with Gillingham in March.

And having been released following the expiration of his short-term contract, reports in Italy claim that the 32-year-old is set to join Serie B side Reggina.

Reggina gained promotion from the third tier last season and have embarked on an ambitious recruitment drive this summer – having already agreed a deal to sign former Roma and AC Milan winger Jeremy Menez.

And Sportitalia claim that Lafferty is set to be the next player to sign for the second division side.

It’s something of a surprising move given the frontman’s pedigree, but it’s understood that Reggina have been able to offer attractive contracts to a number of marquee signings.

Speaking to the Open Goal podcast earlier this month, Lafferty had hinted that his next move may take him abroad – having previously played in Italy, Switzerland and Turkey.

“It’s one of those things, do I hold off and see what happens?,” he said.

“But I love going abroad. It’s everything that comes with it - training in the afternoon, having coffee in the sun, it’s a different feeling.

“I think my game suits playing abroad.”