Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has suggested that striker Fabio Borini could extend his loan move if the club stays in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old Italian, who is on a season-long deal from Liverpool, has scored six goals in 30 games for the Black Cats this term.
Poyet is now eager to keep hold of the youngster beyond the end of the current campaign.
"Borini is an important player, and he will be important to us if we stay in the Premier League, and are able to keep him," the Uruguayan told The Shields Gazette.
"He's the perfect character to have in a group of players these days - he's the perfect professional, always positive."
Borini joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2010 but has failed to make an impact at Anfield.
