Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has told the Sunderland Echo that the deal to sign Fabio Borini is being held up by the Liverpool striker's injury but suggested the move may still go ahead.
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Sunderland had agreed a fee of up to 14 million pounds for Borini, who spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, but his agent then told the Italian media the player wanted to remain at Anfield.
He subsequently linked up with the Reds on their preseason tour before suffering a shoulder injury just 14 minutes into the friendly against Roma, but Poyet revealed talks have taken place and that a transfer could still take place.
"He is being assessed now for his shoulder injury," Poyet said. "That's stopped everything a little bit. We will see. I have not held talks with him, but the club has, although that's private. We know where we stand."
The Daily Mail has reported that Poyet will not allow negotiations to extend beyond the start of the Premier League season.