Portsmouth are also reported to be interested in their former frontman so don't be surprised if they have already had bid of £12 million rejected!
Rumours are also rife that we're prepared to offer Benfica £6 million to secure the full time services of Manuel (why do people call him Manual, as in not-automatic?) Fernandes.
The obvious problem with this deal is that the Portuguese side have made it clear they want around £8 million for the player.
And all this on the back of the news that we've offered Porto £11 million for Luis Gonzalez.
But the sticking point with this one appears to be that Porto actually want £15 million for the Argentine midfielder.
So, in a summer in which we've just about signed three players in two
months, we're suddenly flush with the sort of money Sunderland spunk on Scottish goalies mere days before the season kicks off.
And just days after the ground move ballot papers have been distributed.
Interesting that...