Bruce close to signing Riveros

Riveros: Set for Sunderland switch

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Steve Bruce has revealed that Sunderland could sign Paraguay international Cristian Riveros in the next week.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been on Bruce's radar for two years and the Black Cats are close to agreeing a deal with his club, Cruz Azul.

Riveros signed for the Mexican outfit in July 2007 and he has gone on to score 16 goals in 105 appearances.

Bruce failed in an earlier bid to land Riveros while manager at Wigan but is hopeful of making him the first summer signing at the Stadium of Light.

"We have been working a long time on Riveros," he said.

"I tried to sign him two years ago - I was quoted £12million and couldn't afford him.

Versatile

"He's a middle-of-midfield player who can play on either side as well and something different to what we have got, and he will go to the World Cup with Paraguay.

"We are close, we are very, very close and I wouldn't be surprised if we can get him in the next week or so."

Riveros looks set to go to South Africa this summer along with potential new club-mate Paulo da Silva and has made 43 appearances for Paraguay, scoring eight goals.

He played in their opening two games at the 2006 World Cup, including the 1-0 defeat by England, and on Tuesday he was named in Paraguay's provisional 30-man squad.

Paraguay will face reigning champions Italy in Group F, along with New Zealand and Slovakia.