RICKY ALVAREZ will not be joining Sunderland this summer even though Premier League status has been secured.

It has been widely reported that the 26-year-old’s unsuccessful season-long loan would automatically become permanent if the Black Cats stayed up for a fee in the region of £7.5m.

But The Northern Echo understands there were clauses in the deal – thought to have been on appearances – which allowed the full-time transfer to be abandoned.

And now Alvarez, who has not featured since he was dragged off during the 4-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa, is set to return to Inter Milan after failing to impress Sunderland’s decision makers.

The Black Cats have made up their mind that they will not be pushing through an expensive deal for the Argentine regardless of who is in charge, with Dick Advocaat set to confirm a decision on his future after Sunday’s final game at Chelsea.

Alvarez, who has cost Sunderland a £1m loan fee so far, moved to Inter Milan with a big reputation after impressing for Velez Sarfield. He has, though, struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, despite the fact Gus Poyet had expected him to be a key figure this season.

He has missed the last few weeks because of an apparent knee problem, but the fact he has made just five Premier League starts all season highlights why Sunderland are willing to let him return to Italy without fuss.