Back in the 2017 summer transfer window, Sunderland announced that Vito Mannone had left the club to join Reading on a three-year-deal. 

Mannone had spent four seasons with Sunderland but made the decision to move on to embark on a new challenge with the Royals.

See how Sunderland fans reacted to Mannone's departure at the time.

The shot-stopper moved to Berkshire and was successful in his time with the club, but was unable to guide his side to promotion to the Premier League.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper made 41 appearances in total for the Royals in the 2017/2018 season and was first-choice at the Madejski Stadium.

But having been limited to just six appearances for Reading this season, he rapidly fell down the pecking order at the Berkshire-based club.

The move hasn't gone as planned for Mannone, and it won't have come as a surprise to see him leaving the club in the January transfer window - although his destination of choice was somewhat surprising.

Mannone joined MLS side, Minnesota United on loan for the remainder of this year's campaign, where he will be hoping to find himself regular game time.

His future surely lies elsewhere from the Madejski Stadium and Reading are likely to want to see him move on in the summer on a permanent basis as they look to trim the current wage bill.

There's no doubting that Sunderland fans would surely welcome Mannone back with open arms if the Black Cats were to register their interest in re-signing him.

But for now, Sunderland supporters will be fully focused on watching their side battle to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.