Sunderland face Villarreal competition for Tigre fullback Lucas Orban.
The Shields Gazette says Sunderland remain confident of landing the 24-year-old, although under Premier League rules, they would need to agree a deal with both Tigre and River Plate, who each own half of his registration.
But Villarreal, together with Boca Juniors, are keen to gazump Sunderland to the signing of a player who has earned rave reviews this season.
Villarreal are back into the Primera Division next season.