Sunderland could reportedly lose out in their pursuit to sign Marcos Alonso on a permanent basis.
The Spaniard joined the Black Cats on loan until the end of the season from Fiorentina in January.
However, Sunderland's former sporting director Roberto di Fanti did not negotiate an option with his Italian counterpart for the club to sign the 23-year-old permanently, according to the Daily Mail.
As a result, La Viola would be able to demand a fee of their choice for the full-back, which could alert other potential suitors.