Sunderland reopen talks for Liverpool outcast Borini
24 Dec 2014 14:00:00
The Italy international forward was close to reuniting with the Black Cats over the summer but his hopes of securing his future at Anfield have faded and January could see him move
By Graeme Bailey
Sunderland have reopened talks with Liverpool over a deal for Fabio Borini, Goal understands.
The Italy international spent the whole of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and became a firm fan favourite, scoring in a derby win over Newcastle and in the League Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
Sunderland tried to sign Borini in the summer and even agreed a fee of £14 million with the Reds but the forward rejected the move, instead deciding to fight for his future at Anfield.
Borini has been given sporadic chances by Brendan Rodgers this season but it has now been made clear to him that his long-term future lies away from the club and the Black Cats have revived their interest but are looking for a much-reduced fee from the previous deal agreed, believed to want to pay less than £10m.
Rodgers indicated on Wednesday that he is open to the possibility of reinforcing his squad in the January window, telling reporters that "there will always be speculation [...] if there's a possibility to strengthen we will take a look, for the right type of player", and a Borini sale could fund such exploits.
The ex-Chelsea man must now decide whether or not to accept that his Liverpool career is over and if he will agree to move to Sunderland.
A source told Goal: "Sunderland are back in for Borini. A deal is close and a lot now rests with the player but Gus Poyet would really like him at the Stadium of Light."
24 Dec 2014 14:00:00
The Italy international forward was close to reuniting with the Black Cats over the summer but his hopes of securing his future at Anfield have faded and January could see him move
By Graeme Bailey
Sunderland have reopened talks with Liverpool over a deal for Fabio Borini, Goal understands.
The Italy international spent the whole of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and became a firm fan favourite, scoring in a derby win over Newcastle and in the League Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
Sunderland tried to sign Borini in the summer and even agreed a fee of £14 million with the Reds but the forward rejected the move, instead deciding to fight for his future at Anfield.
Borini has been given sporadic chances by Brendan Rodgers this season but it has now been made clear to him that his long-term future lies away from the club and the Black Cats have revived their interest but are looking for a much-reduced fee from the previous deal agreed, believed to want to pay less than £10m.
Rodgers indicated on Wednesday that he is open to the possibility of reinforcing his squad in the January window, telling reporters that "there will always be speculation [...] if there's a possibility to strengthen we will take a look, for the right type of player", and a Borini sale could fund such exploits.
The ex-Chelsea man must now decide whether or not to accept that his Liverpool career is over and if he will agree to move to Sunderland.
A source told Goal: "Sunderland are back in for Borini. A deal is close and a lot now rests with the player but Gus Poyet would really like him at the Stadium of Light."
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