Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has travelled to the USA for the Reds’ pre-season tour despite closing in on a £14million switch to Sunderland.
A source close to Anfield told Football Express News they still expect the Italy international to move to Wearside despite the fact he has joined up with team-mates overseas.
Borini is seemingly relaxed about slipping down the pecking order and said on Twitter: “Finally in Boston for the American @LFC Tour!”
The 23-year-old, who spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, is considered back-up for the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Rickie Lambert, while Queens Park Rangers forward Loic Remy is also close to joining Liverpool.
Borini was far from prolific for Gus Poyet’s side, plundering nine goals in 40 appearances, but he became a popular figure at the club, not least because he had a knack of producing important and sometimes iconic strikes.
He found the back of the net in both Tyne-Wear derbies against bitter rivals Newcastle United, and also gave underdogs Sunderland the lead in the League Cup final against Manchester City, who eventually ran out 3-1 winners.
Borini, who featured in last week’s 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat at the hands of Brondby in Denmark, is in line to be the second striker to agree a move away from Merseyside this summer.
Talisman Luis Suarez is expected to join La Liga heavyweights Barcelona this week.