Ex-Sunderland midfielder Ricky Alvarez given permission to play for Sampdoria

That is despite an ongoing legal battle between the Black Cats, Inter Milan and FIFA.

Sunderland were duty-bound to sign Alvarez last summer after his season-long loan, but pulled out of the deal by claiming Inter breached the terms of the contract.

Sunderland believe Inter’s hesitation in approving surgery for a knee injury saw them breach the terms of the contract. An arbitration case is ongoing but FIFA have given permission for Alvarez to continue playing.

A Sampdoria statement said: “The International Transfer Certificate has arrived in the offices of Corte Lambruschini from the Football Association.

“Ricardo Gabriel Alvarez is therefore a Sampdoria player.”