Paolo di Canio wants an English player: report

Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio is in the market for an English midfielder to bring some muscle to his team, according to an interview published on Thursday.

The Italian has already made nine signings in the close season but feels there is something crucial missing from his squad -- English grit.

"The club is working on the two full-backs but more important to me is the need to get a key player in central midfield, someone who's English," Di Canio told the Sunderland Echo newspaper.

"He needs to be English, with a physical presence, because we have analysed that is a need we have.

"English, because he needs to know English football inside out, and also a player with very good quality because we want to play attractive football which gets good results."

Di Canio only joined the then struggling Black Cats following Martin O'Neill's sacking in March, and saved them from relegation.

His club have been linked with a move for Spurs' Tom Huddlestone but nothing has so far come of that.

Meanwhile, Di Canio says South Korea striker Ji Dong-Won should return to training soon despite missing Wednesday night's friendly against Danish side FC Midtjylland.

"He has been out for a few days, but we expect him to be back in training in the next few days," said Di Canio.