:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27407029/137390204.0.jpg)
Sunderland are trying to add to their growing Argentinian contingent with an audacious swoop for Valencia playmaker Ever Banega.
The former €20m man has been linked with Manchester United this month, and is believed to be available should the right deal be there. Sky Sports report that Sunderland are the club attempting to strike it.
Banega's quality is not in question. He even has a big fan in Pep Guardiola, who has said of him:
He is a fantastic player. [You] really have to concentrate in order to limit Banega's effectiveness.
The other thing that he is, however, is a bit bonkers. The nice word for it I believe is to say he is a bit of a 'character'.
He has something of a reputation for big nights on the drink and smashing up cars. He once even tried to stop a rolling car with his foot at a petrol station and it cost him 6 months of his career. I mean, we love a fearless midfield tackler as much as the next person, but come on.
Make no mistake that Banega is a quite brilliant footballer, though. We certainly hope this comes off.
Sure, he would represent a bit of a man-management project, but Gus Poyet is probably just the person for the job. We'll keep and eye on it and see how/if it develops.
