Fabio Borini is set to make a decision on his future within the next 48 hours, with Liverpool and Sunderland awaiting the outcome.
Borini, currently contracted to Liverpool but spent last season on loan with the north-east club, is the subject of a £14M bid from the Black Cats.
He is recovering from a shoulder injury picked up on Liverpool’s pre season tour of the United States.
He is said to be keen to play in the Champions League this season, as well as wanting to fight for his spot at Anfield.
It has been a frustrating summer for Sunderland, a lack of significant transfer activity on the striker front, though they have brought in Billy Jones, Jordi Gomez, Costel Pantilimon and Patrick van Aanholt.
Jack Rodwell has also signed from Manchester City for £7M on a five year deal.
Steve Osborne