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Sunderland are close to sealing a stunning coup by signing Argentina right-back Gino Peruzzi.

The 21-year-old shot to prominence with club Velez Sarsfield after he kept Brazilian superstar Neymar quiet over both legs of a Copa Libertadores semi-final - the South American equivalent of the Champions League.

His performances for the 2012 Argentine champions drew praise from across the continent.

Now, despite being watched by Europe’s top clubs, it appears the rebuilding Black Cats may be on the brink of securing the starlet’s signature.

Boasting four international caps already, Peruzzi is eligible for an Italian passport and will therefore not require a work permit to complete a move to the Wearsiders.

Peruzzi confirmed to fans on Wednesday that he was in talks with Sunderland ahead of the Argentine league’s ‘Superfinal’ on Sunday.