Source: Northern_Echo
Bruce looking at Suazo
SOUTH AMERICAN hot-shot Humberto Suazo is being monitored by Sunderland after Real Zaragoza declined to take up the option of buying the striker this summer.[LNB] Bruce has been a long-term admirer of the World Cupbound Chilean from his days in charge of Wigan and he is in the Black Cats boss' sights once more.[LNB] Suazo has spent the last five months on loan in Spain, where he has scored six goals in 17 La Liga appearances, which has led to increased interest being shown in him from across Europe.[LNB] Zaragoza are keen to have tied up a permanent deal for the 29-year-old, but his Mexican employers are unwilling to sell to the Spanish outfit unless they pay the £8.5m agreed at the start of the year.[LNB] Valencia are pondering a move to keep him in Spain, although Boca Juniors are also said to be interested in a player that fired Zaragoza away from relegation trouble.[LNB] Monterrey, who Suazo joined for £2.5m in June 2007, are aware of Sunderland's interest and are determined to make sure they receive a top price.[LNB] And Zaragoza's sporting manager Antonio Prieto admitted: Monterrey want so much money, they are after a very high price. The issue is settled. We are no longer talking to Monterrey.[LNB] Monterrey are now preparing for him to head back to Mexico at the end of the World Cup, when a number of European clubs are expecting to have made firm approaches.[LNB] Suazo finished top scorer of all the South American qualifying matches for the finals, ahead of the likes of Brazilian Luis Fabiano and Argentine Lionel Messi.[LNB] He is an established frontman for his country and his form in front of goal has led to optimism of a fruitful month in South Africa under the Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa.[LNB] Such a successful qualifying campaign, coupled with his goals in La Liga, have left Monterrey keen to receive more than the initial fee they had agreed with Zaragoza.[LNB] It has been reported in Central America that his club, who he initially had problems with after run-ins with team-mates and the coaching staff, are now looking for nearer to £10m for the forward.[LNB] Bruce is unlikely to go to that price in his attempts to replace Benjani, who spent the back end of last season on loan from Manchester City, at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] But Bruce is keeping an eye on developments in Mexico and in the Chile camp, knowing Monterrey will have to accept at some stage they will not receive the top price for a player who recently turned 29.[LNB]
