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After making a huge success of his loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season, Fabio Borini has been at the top of almost all Sunderland's fan transfer wishlists. However it looked like a transfer that may take some time to come to fruition, as we waited for Liverpool to strengthen their team after they qualified for the Champions League and the sale of Luis Suarez.
That wait may not go on much longer though, with widespread reports tonight that Sunderland have agreed a fee of up to £14m (£12m+add-ons) for the Italian striker, who should be due in the North East over the weekend to talk personal terms and undergo a medical.
Brendan Rodgers had wanted to keep the 23-year-old but with the player wanting first team football and a return to the Stadium of Light, Sunderland increasing the previous £10m offer for Borini was enough to convince Liverpool to sell.
Borini scored 10 goals for Sunderland last season, including vital goals home and away against Newcastle, a stoppage time equaliser against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup quarter-final and a critical late winner from the penalty spot against the same opponents at Stamford Bridge.
Should he complete his move, it will equal the club record fee Sunderland paid Wolverhampton Wanderers for Steven Fletcher and will be a massive statement of intent and show of faith in Borini and Gus Poyet from Ellis Short.
Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout the summer as we keep you up to date with all the transfer news and rumours. Also, feel free to keep in touch with our dedicated Transfer Centre, which you can do by CLICKING HERE.
