Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has reiterated that Fabio Borini does want to move to the Stadium of Light from Liverpool, despite the transfer continuing to drag on.
Earlier this summer, both clubs reportedly agreed a £14m fee, but a deal is yet to get over the line with just a matter of hours before the transfer window closes.
Widespread reports have claimed that instead of a permanent transfer, Borini may seal another season-long loan following his temporary stint at the North-East club last season.
"I know how people feel but unfortunately we cannot give you all the information, all the true information on why he's not with us," the Daily Mail quotes Poyet as saying.
"I know from the outside it looks like it's him not wanting to come to Sunderland because of whatever, but I can promise you it's not like that. Now I keep it open because he's still a Liverpool player, and maybe he can still become a Sunderland player."
Borini netted 10 goals for Sunderland last season.
Danielle Joynson
