Fiorentina have given fans a boost by tying former Real Madrid starlet Marcos Alonso to a five-year deal that will see the versatile Spanish defender remain at the club until June 2021.

Alonso, 25, spent three seasons at Bolton in England's Premier League before joining Fiorentina on a three-year deal in May 2013.

Although he spent six months on loan at Sunderland from January 2014, Alonso is considered a key component of Paulo Sousa's Fiorentina squad having made 65 appearances in Serie A and the Europa League, forging a reputation as a hard-working defender who can also play in midfield.

A statement by Fiorentina said: "Fiorentina announces the club has agreed terms on a new contract with Marcos Alonso. The Spanish player has signed with the club until June 30 2021."

Fiorentina, who have scored a league-leading 36 goals in 18 games so far, sit in second spot in Serie A, one point behind leaders Inter Milan.