Fabio Borini undergoes Milan medical
In a move that has truly baffled all of us here at Roker Report HQ it seems that Fabio Borini actually is on the verge of joining Italian giants AC Milan, with the player pictured in full Rossoneri kit as he underwent his medical examination this morning.
According to Skysports reporter Keith Downie the deal is initially a loan, with a view to a €6m permanent transfer should Milan decide to take Sunderland up on the offer.
Borini's time on Sunderland can only be looked back upon as a complete failure - sad, perhaps, as his initial spell at the club on loan from Liverpool was anything but.
Signed under the Roberto De Fanti regime in 2013, Borini contributed to some memorable performances that season as we escaped relegation, reached a cup final and defeated our nearest rivals Newcastle United both home and away.
With a deal to remain at Sunderland on the table, Borini instead preferred to stay with his parent club in a bid to prove himself there. Ultimately he failed, returning back to Wearside with his tail between his legs in a permanent deal that saw Liverpool net around £10m for his services.
Ever since we've not seen the same Fabio Borini that rocked up initially on Wearside full of blood and thunder - instead, he was broken and bitter, failing to contribute as the club slid towards relegation.
The official announcement of Borini's transfer to the Italian club could come as soon as this afternoon, provided his medical results come back without any issues.
Will Buckley to... Bolton?
Various reports in the media today have suggested that Will Buckley is about to sign for fellow Championship club Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer.
The Trotters, managed by Phil Parkinson, were promoted as runners up from League One last season and are looking to add Championship experience to their squad.
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Buckley spent last season on loan at play-off semi finalists Sheffield Wednesday but due to injury problems he was unable to make an impact with the Yorkshire club and his playing time was limited, making just twelve appearances for the Owls all season.
The ex-Brighton winger has been released following the completion of his contract and is free to find a new club. Signed by Gus Poyet, Buckley amounted to very little at Sunderland - aside from his assist for the goal which won Sunderland the derby against Newcastle at St James' Park in 2014, it's difficult to remember anything else of note that he contributed.
Adios, William Buckley. We hardly knew ye.
Phillips plays down speculation
Wearside legend Kevin Phillips has played down speculation linking him to the Sunderland manager's job, nodding towards the fact that the club's issues off the field are causing issues in regards to managerial recruitment.
Perhaps a romantic link, Phillips makes up part of the coaching staff at Derby County and having earned his stripes at a variety of clubs it is expected that he'll end up with his first job in management soon enough.
Bookies have Phillips placed currently as an outsider for the role, but when questioned about the speculation linking him to the job he was clear in his stance.
The ex-England striker said:
I didn't chuck my name in the hat. It is just natural because of my affiliation with the club. It worries me when Derek McInnes has turned the job down so there is something going on behind the scenes there.
Until the takeover happens, if it happens, then I can understand why people are distancing themselves. Any prospective manager going in there will want some money to change things, it is as simple as that and you need money to spend.
I am contracted to Derby. I am delighted to be there and happy to be there with the changes we have made over the last year or so and I have managed to stay so I can only speak about Derby at the minute.