Sunderland striker Fabio Borini on relegation and future plans

The 26-year-old forward is expected to leave the Stadium of Light for pastures new in the wake of relegation to the Championship.

Celtic and Lazio have been strongly linked, while AC Milan have also been credited with an interest in Borini.

The former Roma and Parma striker is reported to favour a move back to Italy but - as yet - there have been no formal offers for his services.

Borini missed the bulk of the opening three months of last season with a thigh injury and only scored twice in 26 appearances as the Black Cats suffered relegation.

Speaking to the Italian press, Borini said: "Things in England could be better, given the recent relegation, of which I am very sorry.

“But you go ahead and I want to prepare for next season to the fullest extent."

Speaking about his future, Borini added: "My decision will depend from which club puts up the more stimulating, competitive and stable and that is better suited to my personality as a

person and a player."

Borini is set to be one of several first team players leaving the club this summer. Jordan Pickford has already signed for Everton in a deal worth up to £30million, while Jermain Defoe will sign for Bournemouth as a free agent next month.

Sunderland are still without a manager following David Moyes’ resignation, with the search put on hold while takeover talks continue.