Sunderland are chasing Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves.
The News of the World says Roy Keane hopes to have talks with the 26-year-old Heerenveen hitman when he returns to Europe after competing in Copa America.
Alves has said he is keen to play in England after banging in 34 goals in 31 league games in Holland last season.
A Sunderland source said: "This shows the level of player that Roy is interested in.
"No one would normally give Sunderland a chance of signing a Brazilian player of the calibre of Alves, but Roy has a huge standing internationally and that will help."