Sunderland (11/8 with Coral to stay in the Premier League this term) have announced the signing of Fabio Borini from Liverpool for a fee of £7.75m, rising to £9.75m with add-ons, on a four-yeal deal.
The sole-capped Italy forward, 24, spent a season on loan with the Black Cats from the Reds back in 2013/14, but rejected a permanent move the following summer. However, they have finally got their man.
Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat said: “Fabio is a great addition to the squad who will make our front line stronger. He can play in a number of attacking positions which is a huge benefit to the team.”
Borini, who has been handed the number nine shirt, meanwhile, added: “I am delighted to be back at Sunderland. It is a club I know really well from my time here previously.
“It will be emotional for me to play at the Stadium of Light again and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch as a Sunderland player.”
The Italian first came to England as a youngster in 2007 with Chelsea, before spending a successful loan spell with Swansea City.
After a brief return back to his homeland with Parma and Roma, he joined up with his former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool in 2012 but never really claimed a starting place.
Borini had a more enjoyable time with Sunderland two seasons ago, where he managed to net 10 times in all competitions.
The Black cats have not had the best of starts to the campaign so far, after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, losing twice and drawing their other two Premier League games so far.
However, the northeast side will be hoping the signing of Borini, who will battle it out with other forwards such as Jermain Defoe, Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham for a starting berth, can give them a lift.