Cristian Rodriguez is close to leaving Atletico Madrid for Sunderland, with his agent in London to complete the deal.
Marca reports that Cebolla, as Rodriguez is known, is looking for the chance to play more regularly after spending last season as a squad player in Atletico’s title-winning campaign.
Sunderland are coached by Cebolla’s compatriot Gus Poyet and reports in their native Uruguay have said an agreement will be reached shortly.
Cebolla is understood to have had suitors from across Europe but wants to play in the Premier League and under Poyet, whose style Cebolla feels will suit his game.
“He’s desperate to be at a club where he can play week after week,” Poyet is quoted as saying.
“There are a lot of positive things and there is something to be achieved, to agree a deal when a player like him is available.”
Cebolla is training in the United States with Atletico but could venture to England to close out the deal.
