Sunderland still keen on Fabio Borini buy says Gus Poyet

Sunderland, 3/1 chances with Coral to be relegated this term, are keen to resurrect a deal for former loan signing Fabio Borini, after Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers left the Italian forward out of recent squads.

Former Chelsea, Roma and Swansea City attacker Borini, 23, scored 10 times for the Black Cats in 40 outings across all competition in 2013/14, helping the Wearside outfit reach the Capital One Cup final.

A permanent move was lined up this past summer, but fell through amid reported interest from QPR, as the player decided to stay at Anfield and fight for his place.

Reds boss Rodgers omitted Borini from the last four matchday squads, however, sparking speculation than a permanent exit from Merseyside could be on the cards.

When asked if he would be keen to revive a deal in the January transfer window, Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet said: “I would love to. It is difficult to explain [the collapse of Borini’s summer switch to the Stadium of Light].

“It was a long summer and the things everyone knows, we agreed a price and we flew to America [for Liverpool’s pre-season tour] and he didn’t come. The bottom line is he is not with us. I am trying to concentrate on what we have got.”

Despite the absence of £16m flop Mario Balotelli and long-term injury casualty Daniel Sturridge, Rodgers has still left Borini out. Rickie Lambert was the only out-and-out striker available for the Reds’ Champions League exit at the hands of Swiss Super League side Basel.

Borini will not be the only Italian on Wearside, though compatriots Emanuele Giaccherini and Vito Mannone are both out of favour. The latter was dropped after the dismal 8-0 demolition away at Southampton.

The Black Cats, who are 7/1 shots to finish in the top half, have been boosted by the news that Connor Wickham has ended speculation by signing a new deal this week.