Real Zaragoza striker Humberto Suazo is in the sights of Sunderland.

The Journal says the Black Cats would be forced to part with £12million should they pursue their interest in the player - who is contracted to Mexican side Monterrey - and could face competition from Valencia and Boca Juniors for his services.

Steve Bruce boasts extensive contacts throughout Central and South America, and was credited with an interest in the 41-times-capped Suazo both last summer and during the latest transfer window.

Instead, the 29-year-old joined Spanish club Real Zaragoza on a five-month loan in January, and his six goals in 17 appearances helped the Primera Liga strugglers avoid relegation.

Sunderland have been running continual checks on the forward prior to and throughout his spell in Spain, and with Bruce operating without a clearly-defined upper limit to his summer transfer budget, Monterrey's asking price would not present a significant problem.