Greek Winger Awaits Sunderland Exit

Charis Mavrias' Wearside nightmare looks set to continue right up until the end of the transfer window with Panathinaikos still mulling over making a bid for their former winger, according to the Sunderland Echo. The 21-year-old has found chances hard to come by at Sunderland after signing during the Paolo Di Canio 'revolution', and a return to Greece has long been a possibility. However, the Echo believes that Panathinaikos are focusing on defensive improvements during this window, pushing a potential deal for Mavrias onto the back-burner until August, with the Black Cats desperate to chip away any deadwood in the squad. Mavrias clearly hasn't been favoured by Gus Poyet or Dick Advocaat and hasn't been involved in first team preparations at all this time around, instead mainly featuring for the Sunderland under-21 side. With quick feet and a burst of pace, Mavrias looked like he may have something to offer the Black Cats, but in the end he only made 6 appearances (3 starts) and scored one goal, a winner against Kidderminster in the FA Cup. Sunderland will only receive a fraction of their £2 million investment back, but hopefully it ends Mavrias' purgatory soon.