Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is closing in on a deal for Paraguay star Christian Riveros.

The People says Riveros's agent flew to Wearside last week to sort out a deal with the 27-yearold poised to sign a pre-contract to take him to the Stadium of Light in the summer.

However, Bruce may then go back to his Mexican club Cruz Azul and try to negotiate a small fee to bring him to Sunderland even sooner.

Bruce has been after gifted left-sider Riveros for months and seems certain to land his man.