The Black Cats are expected to appoint Milan-based agent Roberto Di Fanti as director of football, and he will work alongside owner and chairman Ellis Short to find the players the manager needs and strike the deals to secure their services.
Paolo Di Canio: "I know that the club has a plan, and the picture is clear before me of how it will work.
"I am head coach, the others have to handle the financial situation.
"I have said to them, we need this type of player, this type of quality, in this position or that position, so show me the players we can go and get and I will tell them, 'Yes, this player is okay' or 'No, this player is not'."