Ignacio Scocco: Thought to be close to joining Sunderland

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet confirmed earlier this week he was interested in Internacional ace Scocco and reports emanating from South America claim that he is on the verge of a move to Wearside.

The likes of River Plate, Newell's Old Boys and Valencia have been credited with an interest in Scocco, but it appears Sunderland are in pole position to land the Argentine international.

The Black Cats have held a long-term interest in the 28-year-old and the player's father, Hector, has claimed the most likely destination for his son is the Stadium of Light

"The most likely today is that [Scocco] joins Sunderland," Scocco Snr told Diario Ole. "River and Newell's asked for him but Internacional's demands are too high and they don't want to loan him out.

"That's understandable as they want to recoup the investment they made and no club in Argentina can afford what they want."

Scocco Snr also revealed that Poyet had spoken with his son about a move to the Premier League.

"Poyet told him what he wants that he is very interested that Scocco goes [to Sunderland.]," added Scocco Snr.

Internacional's director of football Roberto Melo has confirmed Scocco wants to leave the club and that several sides are chasing his signature although he ruled out any loan switch for the forward.

"There are many clubs interested in Scocco and there are several offers, but we want a permanent move, we are not interested in loan offers," Melo told Radio Bandeirantes.