Source: Northern_Echo
Sunderland transfer target shot in head
ONE of Steve Bruce's transfer targets has been shot in the head.[LNB] The Sunderland boss had been tracking Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas for some time.[LNB] Cabanas remains in a critical condition after being shot in Mexico City last night.[LNB] Club America striker Cabanas, 29, was reported shot after an incident in a city bar and was set for surgery after being taken to an intensive care unit.[LNB] The player was said to be conscious upon arrival at the hospital but there is, as yet, no further news.[LNB] Club America released a statement acknowledging messages of support for the player and promising medical updates as soon as they are available.[LNB] The message read: "Club America appreciates all the support, solidarity and expressions of affection for Salvador Cabanas.[LNB] "So far there are no medical reports, but we are awaiting to keep the public informed in a timely way and be the first to announce any progress.[LNB] "We deeply regret what happened to our beloved player Salvador Cabanas and express our full support and solidarity with his families and loved ones.[LNB] "The directors, coaching staff and players are very attentive to his progress...and will keep the public and our fans informed with the latest developments.[LNB] Beyond being a great player, Salvador, you are a great companion and in these difficult times we are on your side in body and soul."[LNB] Mexico City attorney general Miguel Angel Mancera had earlier told TV station Televisa: "It seems that the attack happened in the bathroom of the bar.[LNB] "We don't clearly know the motive behind the injury. According to an initial report it was a shot from a firearm with a frontal entry point and without exit.[LNB] The player is conscious, but he has a heart problem which they're trying to stabilise."[LNB] Club America president Michel Bauer added that he believed the attack to have been unprovoked, having spoken to Cabanas' wife, who was present with the striker at the time of the attack.[LNB] "He arrived conscious and responded well to the questions they asked him as he was going into hospital," Bauer told Televisa.[LNB] "It's a key point that can be encouraging, but until further notice we cannot speculate on anything at all.[LNB] "They wanted to assault him. I can confirm that that is what his wife has said, that it was an assault.[LNB] "There was no shoot-out nor any quarrel."[LNB] Cabanas is one of Paraguay's most highly-rated players and was part of their World Cup squad in Germany.[LNB] Sunderland manager Bruce recently revealed he was interested in bringing the striker to the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] "I've monitored Cabanas, " he said earlier this month. "You know I've had a little contact in South America. Cabanas is a fantastic player, whether it's possible, I'm not quite sure. He's somebody who would be of interest, but I'm sure if he became available, there'd be lots more interest too."[LNB] Cabanas, who has scored more than 100 times in the Mexican top flight, has netted 18 goals in 24 matches this season.[LNB]
