Lazio closely monitoring Sunderland striker

Lazio are reportedly weighing up a surprise summer swoop for Italy international forward Fabio Borini, according to the Sunderland Echo.

The Serie A outfit have emerged as potential suitors for the Sunderland striker ahead of the forthcoming transfer window, with the Black Cats’ Premier League status hanging in the balance with only five games remaining of the 2015-16 season.

The 25-year-old, who earned his first and only international cap for his country against the USA back in February 2012, has scored four goals and provided two assists in 23 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats so far this season.

Borini, who cost Sunderland around £8m back in August 2015 following his switch from fellow English top-flight club Liverpool, is being tracked by the Italian side after he scored his fourth goal of the season in Saturday’s crucial 3-0 victory over relegation rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The Italian has found the back of the net 14 times in 63 games for Sunderland, a record which includes his previous loan spell at the Stadium of Light from Anfield.