GUSTAVO POYET is weighing up other options in the transfer market after failing to strike a deal for Uruguayan playmaker Cristian Rodriguez.

Poyet, whose side face Recreativo Del Huelva in Portugal tonight, had hoped to have Rodriguez in his first team squad at some stage this week before the squad return back to Wearside.

But the Sunderland boss, who has been left frustrated by Fabio Borini’s unwillingness to swap Liverpool for the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis, is having to work on alternatives.

Despite earlier confidence this week that Sunderland would sign Rodriguez, the 28-year-old was taking his time before agreeing a switch. He was aware of interest in him from other clubs around Europe.

Poyet still wants to make a number of signings before the start of the Premier League season and one of those could still be young Crewe forward Max Clayton.

The 19-year-old has impressed during a four-week trial on Wearside and talks are going on between the clubs to try to reach agreement over a fee. Clayton is out of contract but Crewe are due compensation and are looking for around £1m.

Crewe boss Steve Davis said: "It's very difficult for me to talk about it at the moment because I'm not too sure of the situation. It's been left in the hands of John (Bowler) and everyone else at the club from an administration point of view. As far as I know they are still negotiating with Sunderland. That's as much as I can say at the moment.”