Benega

Gus Poyet has rekindled his interest in Argentina midfielder Ever Banega – and could make a personal check on him at the World Cup.

Valencia playmaker Banega was linked with a move to Wearside in the January transfer window, although ultimately he went on to make a loan move back to his homeland with Newell’s Old Boys.

But the Chronicle understands that Poyet remains a big admirer of Banega – who is set to represent his country in this summer’s World Cup – and the 25-year-old is on his summer wishlist.

It would be a major coup if Poyet could land a player who has been included in Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella’s World Cup squad, but Banega’s involvement in the competition could provide the Black Cats boss with an opportunity to see him in action at close quarters.

Poyet will be on duty as part of ITV’s punditry team in Brazil, and among the games the broadcaster will be screening are Argentina’s clashes against Iran in Belo Horizonte on June 21, and against Nigeria in Porto Alegre four days later.

Banega is about to enter the final year of his contract at Valencia, and the La Liga outfit is keen to offload him this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing on a Bosman free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Sunderland face competition for his signature however, with some reports claiming that Manchester United and Everton are also monitoring the situation.

Banega’s agent Jonathan Hope confirmed this week that his client is wanted by three Premier League clubs

And Sunderland are believed to be among the trio to have made contact with the player’s camp to sound them out over a deal.

“We have had a lot of interest in the Argentine international,” said Hope.

“I confirm that I am speaking personally with three clubs who have expressed their intention to sign the player. “He is a class player and he is only 25 years old.” Poyet has already made two signings this week, having agreed Bosman deals with West Bromwich Albion defender Billy Jones and Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez that will take effect on July 1.

Gomez is the newest addition, and the Spaniard says he is delighted to have joined the Wearsiders and to have the chance to work under Poyet.

He said: “I’m really happy to be here and to be joining such a big club as Sunderland, and I am ready for this new challenge in my career.

“I was in the Premier League four years with Wigan before we got relegated, but I am delighted to be back there with Sunderland.

“Gus Poyet is a very good manager and he did a very good job last year, so I am very happy to be working with him.

“He has good ideas and I like the way he wants his team to play.

“I think my style will suit that.”

Gomez has played at the Stadium of Light for the Latics, but he is looking forward to having the home support on his side in future.

He said: “I have played at Sunderland before and I know what the support is like, and the way that they help their team.

“I think last season they played a big part in the good results the team got at the end of the season to stay in the Premier League.”

Indestructible said:

Next level sort of player.

Click to expand...

Yep

Legs?

Reports coming out of the north east suggest Sunderland will try to usurp both Manchester United and Everton in the race for Valencia midfielder Ever Banega.

According to the Shields Gazette, Black Cats boss Gus Poyet has been checking out the Argentina international while on pudit duty for ITV ahead of the World Cup.

Poyet had previously shown an interest in the 25-year-old in January, when compatriots Ignacio Scocco, Santiago Vergini and Oscar Ustari were brought into the Stadium of Light, but didn't believe a player of Banega's quality would be interested in joining the struggling side.

Instead, the former Boca product returned home to sign for Newell's Old Boys on loan until the end of the season, but is now back at the Mestalla with only a year left on his current deal.

Despite the recent takeover of the club, Valencia are looking to sell Banega - who cost them £16m in 2008 - to avoid losing him for free next summer.

A move to Sunderland would represent a coup for the Black Cats, with the midfielder linked to both United and Everton in recent weeks, but Poyet's men are believed to be one of three Premier League sides who have made contact.

Banega's agent Jonathan Hope revealed last week: “We have had a lot of interest in the Argentine international.

“I confirm that I am speaking personally with three clubs who have expressed their intention to sign the player.

“He is a class player and he is only 25 years old.”

Sunderland are closing in on the £8m signing of Valencia midfielder Ever Banega, according to Spanish newspaper Superdeporte.

Gus Poyet has reportedly scouted the Argentine midfielder, who has been named in his country's provisional World Cup squad, and is keen to bring him to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland want to strengthen their team to avoid another relegation scrap next term and have identified Banega, who has just spent time on loan in his homeland with Newell's Old Boys, as their key target.

Sources close to the 25-year-old holding midfielder believe he is unlikely to re-establish himself in La Liga or continue his career in Argentina.

Sunderland have been busy in the transfer market so far this summer after securing the signing of Wigan midfielder Jordi Gomez on a free transfer.


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