‘We can’t rival Black Cats in terms of cash’

GARETH Ainsworth says Wycombe Wanderers still will not be able to compete financially with Sunderland, despite their recent takeover.

American businessman Rob Couhig completed a 75%-stake takeover of the Buckinghamshire club last month, the club’s supporters trust who previously owned the club voting in favour.

Couhig’s takeover was a big reason behind Ainsworth turning down Sunderland’s approach when they sacked manager Jack Ross, with his Wycombe side flying at the top of the League One table.

Couhig had already proved his worth to the enigmatic manager and the supporters at Adams Park when he gifted the club money back in the summer for Ainsworth to strengthen his squad in the summer.

He admitted earlier this month his budget was planned to be so low this season he expected relegation before Couhig’s intervention.

However, the Chairboys’ manager says they still will not be on the same level playing field as the Black Cats financially.

Ainsworth said: “This club has been crying out for the Couhigs and not just finance-wise.

“There are not going to be millions of pounds available. We are not going to turn suddenly into the Sunderlands or Portmouths of this world in this league, no chance. We are going to do it right.

“It is not going to be overnight, it is going to take some time. We have a long-term plan, we are just probably going a little bit ahead of the curve at the moment on the pitch. I am happy with that.”

■■ FORMER Sunderland favourite Fabio Borini is reportedly set for a move back to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

Reports in Italy suggest the 28-year-old is keen to leave AC Milan in search of first-team football and Crystal Palace are believed to be interested.

Borini made 93 appearances in two separate spells at Sunderland between 2013 and 2017, netting 17 goals.

He returned to Liverpool at the end of that season before going back to Wearside in 2015 on a permanent deal.

However, he failed to produce the same levels consistently over the next two seasons, the Black Cats eventually relegated from the Premier League.

That prompted Borini’s surprise move to Italian giants AC Milan, where he initially made a big impact. This season, under Stefano Pioli, the versatile forward has had just 70 minutes of football.