Sunderland after Atletico defender

Cape Town - Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is confident that the lure of regular football will see Atletico Madrid’s Cristian Rodriguez make a move to Tyneside.

The Echo report that Cristian Rodriguez's agent held talks with the Black Cats after sounding out Sunderland as a potential destination for the Uruguayan defender. after his agent reportedly held talks with the Black Cats over the weekend.

“He’s a player that I admire a lot because he’s got power, desire and experience playing with the top teams,” Poyet said last week.

“He wants to play football, he’s desperate to be playing week in, week out.”

After playing a limited role for the La Liga champions last year, Rodriguez is seeking a move away from Spain to find game time.

Reports suggest though that deal is not yet completed and Sunderland are eager to wrap up the deal.