After three years on the books at Wearside, transfer flop Charis Mavrias looks set to finally leave Sunderland.
Mavrias spent the second half of the 2015-16 season on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf and sources in Germany understand that the 2. Bundesliga club could activate the option to buy that was included in his temporary deal.
The 22-year-old has played just seven games in all competitions in the red and white of Sunderland, with his only goal scored being the winner as the Black Cats beat Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup in January 2014.
The £2.3 million purchase has certainly failed to make an impact in the North-East, and Sam Allardyce - and Mavrias himself - will be delighted that the player could be offered a way out of the Stadium of Light this summer, with him not in the manager's future plans.
Fortuna to provide a well needed exit door?
The Greek international winger helped Fortuna avoid relegation to the third tier in Germany this year, and the club appear to have been impressed enough with his performances to be interested in having him back for the coming season.
Mavrias made 13 starts and two appearances off the bench for the Flingeraner as they finished two places and three points above the relegation spots, scoring one goal - that the opening one in a thrilling 4-3 victory over 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
After keeping their place in the second tier, Fortuna can still offer Mavrias a good level of football, while survival also meant they extended their shirt sponsorship with Otel and have received a sum of money as a result that can help them sign the Greek.
The departure of Sporting Director Rachid Azzouzi this week put the move in doubt, but sources in Germany say that manager Friedhelm Funkel still wants Mavrias at the club.
Talks between the club and the player's agent are expected to commence shortly then as the winger, who still has time on his side at 22-years-old despite a disappointing Sunderland spell, looks to reignite his career.