Ricardo Alvarez joins Sampdoria on six-month deal

Alvarez, 27, has joined the Genoa-based club on a six-month deal which expires on June 30, according to Sampdoria.

"President Massimo Ferrero is happy to announce Ricardo Gabriel Alvarez is now officially a Sampdoria player and has signed a contract which expires on June 30 2016," said a statement from the club.

Alvarez joins in time for the city derby away to Genoa on Tuesday, bringing to an end a period of uncertainty about his future.

Alvarez, who has made nine appearances for the Argentina national side, joined Sunderland on loan from Inter in September 2014 but failed to make the move permanent.

Sampdoria travel to Genoa looking to win a second consecutive game in Serie A for the first time since ex-Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella took over from sacked Walter Zenga.

With only five wins in 17 games, Sampdoria have slipped to 14th in Italy's top flight although Genoa are four points further adrift in 17th.