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SUNDERLAND will run the rule over top-rated Uruguay striker Luis Suarez tonight as the undeterred Black Cats continue their global search for summer reinforce-ments.

Chief Scout Ricky Sbragia is due to take in Uruguay’s international friendly with Switzerland in Gallen in another illustration that planning for next season is already under way – despite Sunderland’s Premier League status being in peril.

Sbragia’s watching brief is understood to be focused on the South American team, who have several exciting attacking prospects in their side.

None of them are bigger than 23-year-old Ajax winger Suarez, who is tipped to be the next big thing out of the continent after notching an incredible 26 goals in 37 games from midfield.

He would not come cheap though – Suarez is attracting interest from most of England’s big four and several of the Continent’s top clubs, including Barcelona, and would command an eight-figure fee.

Also included in the Uruguay side is long-time Sunderland target Diego Forlan, who Roy Keane tried to sign twice.

Sbragia’s attendance is further evidence of the global reach of the new-look scouting system that Bruce has put in place behind the scenes.

Although Sbragia is still settling into his new job, he has racked up the air miles as Bruce taps into his global contacts to try to reinforce a squad in desperate need of new blood.

The Black Cats boss has always prided himself on his extensive contacts in the South and Central American game and was responsible for bringing the likes of Wilson Palacios and Maynor Figueroa to England. The Black Cats will have scouts at games across the Continent tonight, with a representative also set to watch Holland’s game against the USA in Amsterdam.

The ambition of Sunderland’s scouting network is in contrast to results on the field, where they have struggled to match early promise.

Thirteen games without victory in the league have plunged the Black Cats into a relegation fight, but Bruce retains the faith of chairman Niall Quinn, who believes that another managerial change would be deeply damaging to the club.

Both privately and publicly Quinn is continuing to back Bruce and there is belief that he will eventually turn it around.

The Sunderland manager has certainly had his eyes opened by his first season at the Stadium of Light, and is believed to be preparing the ground for more changes in the summer.

Morning reports of a bust-up with Steed Malbranque will pave the way for the French winger to leave in the summer, while several other squad members will be told they are free to leave when the season is over.

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson’s recovery from an ankle injury continues to progress well. Sunderland’s medical chief Dr Glen Rae has backed up the England under-21 midfielder’s positive bulletin last week – saying treatment is having the desired effect.

“Jordan’s injury resulted in all three main stabilising ligaments in the ankle being affected,” he said.

“He continues to receive treatment every day from the medical team and is progressing well.”