Sunderland have made enquiries over signing player – Should be able to get him for free soon

Sunderland are today named in the battle for Universidad Catolica winger Alexander Aravena.

The story comes from Brazil, where Globo Esporte details Athletico Paranaense’s interest in the 21-year-old.

The Furacão made contact to get more information on Aravena’s potential move, as his contract with Universidad Catolica expires at the end of the year and he’ll soon be a free agent.

That’s where Sunderland come in, as the Black Cats are said to be one of the clubs who made an approach in the summer window, as well as AZ Alkmaar, Club Brugge and Granada. Reports from Portugal claim Benfica also recently scouted the player.

For now, there’s no information on whether any of those clubs lead the race for him, especially because this situation could even draw more interested sides to the battle.

Aravena has 12 goals and six assists in 31 appearances for Universidad Catolica this season. He’s been getting some minutes with the Chilean national team in the World Cup qualifiers recently, and that’s perhaps where he drew the attention from Sunderland and other European sides.