Argentina and Velez full-back Gino Peruzzi looks set to finally sign for Sunderland after overcoming injury concerns. A statement on Velez's official website read: "Sunderland requested permission to subject Gino Peruzzi to a final evaluation at the Clinica Deportiva Villa Stuart in Rome, which is directed by the renowned Professor Pier Paolo Mariani.

"The evaluation had a positive result with Prof Mariani recommending specific work on the affected muscle area. Meanwhile, Sunderland had travelled to Hong Kong for some international matches, so the English club's authorities communicated their intention to sign the contract on the return of their president in the course of this week.

"Our club's entourage returned to Argentina on Sunday, anticipating that Gino Peruzzi will travel to England again in the coming days."