The agent of Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has claimed that his client will play like a "genius" under manager Dick Advocaat next season.

The Italian praised the appointment of Advocaat earlier this month, after the veteran Dutch coach led the Black Cats to Premier League survival last term.

Giaccherini, whose ankle injury ruled him out of their relegation run-in, had been linked with a switch away, but his representative Furio Valcareggi says that he will stay.

"Sunderland have kept Advocaat as manager, he's a very good one, a holy man of football, and with him Giaccherini will be a genius," Valcareggi told The Mirror.

"I'm sure Emanuele will do very well next season. His goal is the European Championships.

"He will remain 100% at Sunderland. Although there was some interest last winter came, we decided to believe in the project of the English club."

Giaccherini joined the North-East club from Juventus in 2013.