Celtic are reportedly keen on Sunderland striker Fabio Borini.
Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to Fabio Borini
According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Celtic are interested in signing Sunderland striker Fabio Borini, who has ties to both Brendan Rodgers and Lee Congerton.
The Bhoys brought in Congerton as their new recruitment chief last month, reuniting with his former Chelsea colleague Rodgers, who has enjoyed a remarkable season in charge of Celtic.
Rodgers has won the Scottish Premiership title – Celtic’s sixth in a row – without losing a game, and is on course for an unbeaten domestic season, but the challenge is now for the Bhoys to improve in the Champions League.
In order to reach the group stage of the competition, and harbour ambitions of going even further, Rodgers must bring in quality signings this summer – and he is allegedly eyeing a move for Sunderland’s Fabio Borini.
Borini, 26, worked with Congerton at Sunderland and Chelsea, whilst Rodgers coached him at Chelsea, Swansea City and Liverpool, meaning he wouldn’t be a stranger to the Bhoys decision makers.
The Italian attacker, who can play up front or out wide, has registered just one goal and no assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season, and Sunderland’s seemingly imminent relegation means that some players will be looking to leave this summer.
Sunderland’s Fabio Borini in action with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero
Borini could be one such player, and Rodgers may see him as a quality player who can form a dangerous attacking trident with Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting that there is strong interest from the Bhoys heading into the trasnfer window.
Borini scored just three goals in 38 games under Rodgers at Liverpool, but they did enjoy a superb relationship at Swansea, where Borini hit six goals in 12 appearances.
A move would make some sense, but Borini did criticise Rodgers in 2016, stating the he expected more playing time from the Northern Irishman at Liverpool, as quoted by The Express – but the promise of a key role and Champions League football at Celtic could help Rodgers seal a move.
Would you like to see Celtic sign Borini?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
