Sunderland transfer news: 'Desperate' Gus Poyet fears deal for Liverpool's Fabio Borini is dead in the water

Former loan star is holding back on a return to the Stadium of Light

Fabio Borini celebrates after scoring for Sunderland against Southampton (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland head coach Gus Poyet has admitted that their chances of signing Fabio Borini are decreasing rapidly after the Liverpool forward expressed his intentions to stay at Anfield.

The Black Cats had agreed a fee in the region of £14m for the Italian last week but Borini is hesitant to leave while a slim chance of breaking into Brendan Rodgers' squad remains a possibility.

Poyet saved the North East club from relegation last season, with the help of Borini on loan, and is working hard to improve his squad before next month's Premier League opener away at West Bromwich Albion.

“We are desperate to do something,” Poyet told the Sunderland Echo. “I think we need to be honest. The more time that goes past, it looks to me like we have less chance.

“Some people think the opposite – the more players Liverpool sign, then there is more chance. Let’s see who is right and wrong.”

Sunderland have already secured the services of former Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, defender Billy Jones and Wigan Athletic midfielder Jordi Gomez.

Their efforts to sign Ashley Williams from Swansea City, however, fell apart after a last minute change of heart by the Welsh international.

“I’m waiting and waiting, which is not nice,” Poyet continued. “You’re expecting to do a couple of deals, but they’re not happening.

“People say ’don’t be anxious or nervous’. I think there will be at least one in by Friday and I hope at the weekend we can have three in. But the word I’m saying is ’hope’. It’s a matter of time, but as the days go past, that becomes difficult."

Patrick van Aanholt, another player Poyet has pursued for some time, is set to sign later this week.