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Or colleagues at the Mirror are reporting that Sunderland will bid to re-sign Kieran Richardson as they attempt to reverse their nightmare start to the Premier League season.

The versatile Aston Villa man has lost the left-back berth to new boy Jordan Amavi and boss Tim Sherwood may allow him to leave before the window closes in two weeks' time.

It is thought a fee of up to £2m would be paid for Richardson who has a year left on his Villa Park deal.

Richardson, 30, spent five years at the Stadium of Light until 2012, the club have conceded seven goals in losing their first two games of the Premier League season, away to Leicester and at home against Norwich.

Former Manchester United and England player Richardson can also operate on the left wing or in central midfield.

Benik blow

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett has reiterated that the club do not welcome any bids for hotshot Benik Afobe amid speculated interest from Midlands rivals Aston Villa.

Afobe was the nation’s top scorer last season with 32 goals, 13 of which came at Wanderers following his £2m January switch to Molineux from Arsenal.

This has led to reported interest from neighbours Villa, who have been active in the transfer window.

Despite adding Rudy Gestede and Jordan Ayew to their forward ranks, Tim Sherwood is supposedly looking for another striker to boost their attacking options further, following the exits of Christian Benteke, Darren Bent and Andreas Weimann.

Yet Jackett has insisted Afobe, who has two goals in three games so far this season, is happy in the Black Country and has emphasised how vital a cog he is in a team challenging for promotion from the Championship this season.

Borini an option?

The Daily Express have reported that Liverpool's transfer demands are pricing Fabio Borini out of a move to Serie A.

Lazio and Fiorentina are keen on the striker who Liverpool rate at £8m, but after a £4m bid from Lazio it seems the fee will be too high for the Italian clubs.

That paves the way (according to the Daily Express) for Aston Villa, Leicester City, West Ham United and Sunderland to do battle for the 24-year-old.