Sunderland's row with Inter Milan over the future of Ricky Alvarez could be taken to FIFA.

The Daily Star Sunday says Inter insist the Black Cats' Premier League survival triggered a clause in the winger's loan deal, securing a £7.5million move to Wearside.

But Sunderland believe they have a get-out clause due to Alvarez's lack of appearances because of injury.

The Argentinian, 27, is facing surgery for a knee problem which restricted him to only five League starts.