Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has returned to Sunderland, this time on a permanent basis.
The Italian spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan with the Wearsiders, during which time he helped the club to successfully fight off the threat of relegation and also reach the final of the League Cup.
Gus Poyet, who was then in charge of the Black Cats, made it known that he was keen to tie Borini down to a longer deal, but the forward instead opted to try to establish himself at Anfield.
However, having made just 18 appearances for the Reds in all competitions last term, the 24-year-old has now headed back to the Stadium of Light for an undisclosed fee.
"I am delighted to be back at Sunderland. It is a club I know really well from my time here previously," he told the club's official website.
"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."
Borini, who has signed a four-year contract, was also linked with the likes of West Ham United, Fiorentina and Inter Milan.
Liam Apicella
