Sunderland striker Fabio Borini rejects Serie A interest

Borini’s status at Sunderland has been the subject of speculation over the last fortnight after reports emerged over the Italian potentially being involved in a swap deal for Swansea forward Andre Ayew.

But as the Echo reported earlier this week, Borini’s camp have been adamant that the striker will be remaining at the Stadium of Light beyond the transfer window.

It is understood that there has subsequently been interest in Borini from Italian pair Sampdoria and Lazio - both of whom were vying to sign the 24-year-old prior to him rejoining Sunderland last summer.

Yet Borini immediately brushed off those enquiries and the chance to return to his homeland, with the ex-Liverpool man determined to help Sunderland in the survival battle.

Despite clearly being unhappy at his substitution in last weekend’s draw against Bournemouth, Borini wants to play his part for Sam Allardyce’s side.

However, one frontman who could leave Sunderland before Monday’s 11pm deadline is Steven Fletcher after reports that West Ham have made an enquiry for the Scottish international.

Fletcher’s contract expires in the summer and it remains a strong possibility that he will join Celtic on a Bosman deal at the end of the season.

But Fletcher could be an option for the Hammers, if they miss out on a loan move for Nigerian international striker Emmanuel Emenike.

Fletcher - who has also been linked with a move to China - has not appeared in the Premier League for Sunderland since last month’s defeat at Manchester City.

Last week, Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce said: “I don’t see him leaving at this point. We’ll only talk about it if there’s an enquiry.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland’s Under-21s are in action on Sunday when Chelsea visit Eppleton CW (kick-off 11.45pm).