Report: South American Defender Close To Signing

With a number of Italian clubs tracking Sunderland's French defender Modibo Diakite, Spanish side Hercules interested in Valentin Roberge and Watford, Sampdoria and, bizarrely, Juventus showing interest in Carlos Cuellar, it looks likely that reinforcements will soon be needed in the centre of Sunderland's defence.

Reports out of Argentina today suggest that the first of those reinforcements will be Santiago Vergini of Estudiantes. Vergini only signed for Estudiantes in the summer from Newell's Old Boys but has already asked to leave the club amid rumours that the La Plata based club have failed to pay him. The club have since given the player permission to miss training and have said that they will listen to offers for the 25-year-old.

6'3" Vergini has six months remaining on his contract and is looking to have his contract terminated at the Estadio Unico, an action that would cost in the region of £425,000. A factor which may help Sunderland's cause is the fact that Estudiantes need the money as soon as possible to pay a debt that is owed to Mexican side Tigres by January 10th, otherwise they face the possible loss of three points due to a FIFA sanction.

Vergini has reportedly already agreed on a move to the Stadium of Light and is just waiting to tie things up with the Argentine side before finalising his move, should he sign he will become Gus Poyet's second signing of the window, after the Spanish left back Marcos Alonso joined on loan from Fiorentina.

Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout January as we keep you up to date with his and all other transfer news and rumours and you can check out Santiago Vergini's obligatory YouTube compilation HERE.