Sunderland's unwanted man Ricky Alvarez could be offered a way out of his nightmare situation by Argentine outfit San Lorenzo.
Both the Black Cats and Italian side Internazionale are currently arguing their cases with FIFA regarding the ownership of Alvarez, with both claiming that the player belongs to the other following a loan deal last season.
The debate has left Alvarez in limbo, out-casted from both sides, with few opportunities arising for him to get out the situation. However, according to reports emerging from Argentina, San Lorenzo could offer him a way out.
Case with FIFA ongoing
Before the Argentine side can offer Alvarez a return to his homeland, however, FIFA must resolve the ongoing case which has left both Sunderland and Inter stumped, forcing them to take it to football's governing body.
The attacker left Argentina back in 2011 to sign for Inter, costing the Serie A side €12.8 million. Three years, 88 games and 14 goals later though, he was deemed surplus to requirements at the San Siro and loaned out to Sunderland, in a deal that would become permanent at the end of the season for €10.5 million, granted they avoided relegation to the Championship.
Dick Advocaat steered the Black Cats to safety, and thus Inter believed that the deal would go through, but the English side refused to pay the agreed fee because Alvarez had spent the majority of the season injured, due to his parent club not allowing him to undergo required surgery on a knee problem until several months after Sunderland learned it would be needed.
The 27-year-old and his agent are hopeful that the case will result in the player having his contract with Inter terminated, which will lead to him becoming a free agent and allow him to join a new club for free.
San Lorenzo looking for Verón replacement
San Lorenzo are believed to be interested in Alvarez, if he becomes available for them to recruit before Thursday 10 September, according to reports in Argentina.
Los Santos are chasing their first league title since claiming the 2013 Inicial, but have suffered a big setback in their bid to achieve this, with winger Gonzalo Verón joining the New York Red Bulls last month after three years with the Buenos Aires-based club.
The 2014 Copa Libertadores champions are therefore believed to be looking at Alvarez, with them allowed to bring in a replacement, granted it is before next Thursday, despite the transfer window having slammed shut in Argentina already.
It is understood that the player and his representatives have already held talks with San Lorenzo, and are now waiting on FIFA's decision.
Manager Edgardo Bauza was asked about the links with Alvarez earlier this week, yet refused to give anything away, saying that the club "will have to see what happens." Bauza conceded that, "if he arrives," then the team "will need to adapt," but admitted that "he is a good player."
Though the move would result in Inter receiving nothing for the player, it would be a transfer that would suit all parties and resolve a situation that is benefiting no one at the moment.