SUNDERLAND LAUNCH TYSON WRIT

SUNDERLAND have launched legal proceedings over the controversial signing of Milton 'Tyson' Nunez, amidst allegations that they were deliberately misled over the capabilities of the player.

Nunez signed for Sunderland in March 2000, but has only managed 44 minutes of first-team football, and there are allegations that the wool was deliberately pulled over the Premiership side's eyes.

Sunderland are understood to have thought that they were buying a player from top Uruguayan side FC Nacional Montevideo, whereas Nunez came from Third Division Uruguay Montevideo.

The £1.1 million fee, as well as a £350,000 secondary payment, have left Sunderland out-of-pocket after they decided to cut their losses and release the player back to his former club on a free transfer.

However, the club have now reportedly offered a writ for £1.5 million as they hope to convince the courts that they were deliberately duped.

Meanwhile Black Cats manager Peter Reid has denied that he is set to make a move for Coventry City striker John Hartson.

"I've seen the speculation but I won't be making a bid," said Reid.