Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has refused to comment on speculation linking him with a move for Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew.
Reports have emerged suggesting that the Black Cats are considering a move to poach Ayew from their relegation rivals, with the prospect of using Fabio Borini as a makeweight in the deal.
However, Allardyce remained tight-lipped on the subject, claiming that he could be liable for a fine if Swansea felt as though he had unsettled their player.
"I can't speculate on that. Me saying I'm willing to use Fabio would upset Fabio; me saying that Ayew is definitely someone I want for this club means that Swansea could say I have upset this player by saying that I actually want him," he told reporters.
"If you look at past history, I think David O'Leary was probably the first to be punished for doing something like that. I don't like anybody taking my money off me."
Sunderland have brought in Jan Kirchhoff and Dame N'Doye so far this month.
