Sunderland pair Vito Mannone and Fabio Borini are in the final 18 months of their deals.
The agent of Sunderland pair Vito Mannone and Fabio Borini has hinted at future returns to Italy for both of his clients.
Mannone and Borini were each linked with moves to Genoa in January, with the latter also said to have interested Napoli.
But according to Roberto De Fanti, the former Sunderland director of football who continues to represent both players, the conditions were “not right” for either one to move.
Sunderland’s Vito Mannone
Having entered the final 18 months of their contracts, however, De Fanti admitted their situations could be reviewed in the summer.
“Vito and Fabio are happy playing in the Premier League,” he said, as quoted by the Sunderland Echo. “We often forget that Vito and Fabio have played their entire career in the Premier League, except for one year with Fabio at Roma.
“Italy, however, always remains home and after a while more and more you want to go back. There was something with some top Italian clubs but the conditions were not right. We will see this summer.”
Neither Mannone or Borini has started more than nine of Sunderland’s Premier League fixtures this season and the Mackems are perhaps unlikely to stand in their way should an acceptable offer arrive for either player when the transfer window reopens, especially if David Moyes’ side succumb to relegation.
Sunderland’s Fabio Borini celebrates
Mannone’s place is again under threat after the return of Jack Pickford from injury, although the club’s failure to sign a new striker in January is likely extend Borini’s run in the team.
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