Sunderland have been linked with Peruvian international Luis Advincula, according to a source contacted by HITC Sport. The 25 year old plies his trade at 1899 Hoffenheim, but has made only two appearances for the Bundesliga side, spending much of the past few seasons on loan in Brazil, Portugal, and home nation Peru. He has 28 caps for his country, recently helping La Blanquirroja to a Copa America semi final. However, this news must be taken with more than a pinch of salt, given Avincula's prime role as a right back. The recent signing of Celtic's Adam Matthews seems to indicate that he and Billy Jones will compete for the starting full back slot, leaving little room for a new signing to come in at the same position. It's possible that Sunderland would be interested in Avincula as a utility man, given his ability to also play on the right wing. On the other hand, this doesn't seem in line with Advocaat's preferred 4-3-3 formation. The Dutchman typically deploys his wide players high up the pitch as part of the frontline, rather than in the wide midfield role more familiar to Avincula. Whatever the reason for this new link, it's certainly one worth keeping an eye on - if only in the interest of squad depth and pragmatism. Other clubs allegedly linked include Southampton, Stoke and West Ham.
