Report: Sunderland shows interest in Liverpool striker Fabio Borini

Previously opposed to signing with Sunderland after rejecting a £14-million move to the North East last summer, out-of-favour Liverpool striker Fabio Borini may soon be on his way to the Stadium of Light.

Not unfamiliar with the Black Cats - he enjoyed a successful loan spell with the club during the 2013-14 season, scoring seven goals in 32 appearances - Borini's interest in fighting for a place at Liverpool seems to have diminished, according to Sky Sports.

Borini made only 14 appearances for Liverpool last season in all competitions, completing the Roy Keane hat trick with one goal, one assist, and a red card.

Unless Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers plans on employing a 4-2-4 formation this season - which, to be fair, is not beyond the Northern Irish gaffer's realm of reason - the Merseyside club has an excess of attackers.

Christian Benteke and Danny Ings were brought in during the transfer window, and last summer's purchase, Belgian Divock Origi, has joined the Reds after playing on loan at Lille last season. 2013-14 darling Daniel Sturridge is still in the ranks, recovering from a hip injury, and Mario Balotelli still receives wage slips to his Liverpool postcode despite being rock bottom on the pecking order.

Dick Advocaat's Black Cats are on the other end of the depth spectrum following the departure of Connor Wickham to Crystal Palace. Steven Fletcher, Jermain Defoe, and Danny Graham are the club's three senior-team strike options, and adding the 24-year-old Borini would help with cover.

The Italian's legend status at the Stadium of Light was established during his loan move following a late winner against Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear Derby in 2013. Should the striker choose to join the North East side, inevitably he'll be met with open arms by Black Cats supporters.