Sunderland 'in talks to take Ricky Alvarez on loan'

Sunderland have allegedly entered talks with Inter Milan to take Ricky Alvarez out on loan.

Black Cats boss Gus Poyet is close to securing a deal to bring the Argentine to the North-East for a season-long stint, with a view to making the move permanent, Goal.com reports.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder could potentially sign for Sunderland in an agreement worth £12m if his loan spell proves successful.

It was recently reported that La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid launched a failed bid to take Alvarez on loan.

Alvarez, who has eight Argentina caps to his name, featured for his country at the World Cup, making a substitute appearance against Nigeria.