Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is confident the Black Cats will complete their club record 14 million-pound signing of Liverpool striker Fabio Borini "in the next few days."
The two clubs agreed a fee four weeks ago, but Poyet's efforts to convince the player to move to the Stadium of Light have so far met with frustration.
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However the Uruguayan has reiterated his desire to seal the deal with the Italian and believes it could be completed before the weekend.
"The idea was to have the deal done a few weeks ago, but for different reasons it was impossible, but we are confident that maybe in the next few days we can do something about Fabio," Poyet told Sky Sports News.
"I'm always thinking that we can add quality players, especially the ones we know, and let's hope that confidence I am trying to bring to the club is confirmed ... with the signing of Borini."
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan with the Black Cats, scoring 10 goals in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Poyet is continuing his bid to add reinforcements to his squad with Brighton wide man Will Buckley once again linked with a move to Wearside.
Sunderland failed in a bid to prize Buckley away from the Seagulls in January and the 24-year-old is known to Poyet having played under him at the AMEX Stadium.
"Too many things going on and it is difficult to comment on every single one," Poyet added. "Of course there are a few we know better -- in terms of Buckley I know better because we had him at Brighton.
"But sometimes it is unfair, you comment on players and say names, I say if I'm interested or not and then it doesn't happen."