The news of this deal broke last week with Spanish paper Marca reporting that Sunderland were interested in securing the signature of Atletico Madrid winger Cristian Rodriguez. The rumours continue to surround the 28-year-old and Gus Poyet has even commented on the player to local press recently. Poyet said: "He's a player who has power, speed and technique and for this he'd easily adapt to English football, and I'd love to have him in my team. The Uruguyan, who started all four games in the World Cup, has had a frustrating season for the La Liga champions after only playing 20 games and starting only two of those. Rodriguez, or better known in his homeland as "the onion", (maybe because his skills make the defenders cry) still has a couple years left on his £60k a week contract but with Poyet stating his admiration for him the deal could be closer than we all expect. If Gus Poyet and Lee Congerton secure the signature of Rodriguez this will bolster Sunderland's midfield as he can play on the left wing and also in the centre so it can give Poyet some more options to consider for the start of the new season. Would you be happy with the arrival of "the onion" on Wearside?
