Sunderland have reportedly sacked director of football Roberto De Fanti, who joined the Premier League outfit in June last year.

Reports have claimed that Black Cats owner Ellis Short made the decision to sack De Fanti, who oversaw the signings of 14 players in the summer.

Former Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio stated in an interview after he was sacked that a large majority of the players were bought without his input.

It has now been claimed that De Fanti has been dismissed by Short without current head coach Gus Poyet's knowledge, according to The Mirror.

Sunderland are currently second from bottom in the league table.