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Gus Poyet is keen on signing Argentinian midfielder Ever Banega - but could face surprise competition from Tottenham.

Sunderland boss Poyet is an admirer of the Valencia midfielder, who has been on loan at Newell’s Old Boys and could be sold this summer for around £5million.

New Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, setting in at the White Hart Lane club after his move from Southampton, also knows his fellow countryman from his days managing in Spain.

Pochettino has made enquiries, but Poyet is hopeful that his Wearsiders would be in pole position for any deal.

Banega, a slick midfielder who has in the past been linked with both Manchester clubs, has 24 caps for Argentina.

He was named in coach Alejandro Sabella's provisional 26-man squad for the World Cup, but has missed out on the final 23.