David Moyes is keen to sign Valencia striker Rodrigo.
Benfica’s Rodrigo (L) and Juventus’ Fernando Llorente in action
Sunderland are hoping to sign Spanish striker Rodrigo, according to a report in The Times.
Rodrigo, 25, plays for Valencia after signing from Benfica last summer in a big money deal, but struggled to find the net.
Rodrigo spent a season on loan with Bolton Wanderers as a teenager and so is somewhat familiar with the Premier League, making 17 appearances in the division.
Rodrigo Moreno – Bolton Wanderers in action against Nedum Onuoha – Sunderland (L)
He was linked with a £24 million move to Arsenal in 2014, by The Mirror, after a season in which he netted 18 times for Benfica.
Last season he scored only six goals in all competitions for Valencia, but he will be a player Sunderland boss David Moyes is familiar with owing to his time in charge of La Liga side Real Sociedad.
Rodrigo began his career at Real Madrid and has been capped by Spain at international level.
A deal could be an expensive one for Sunderland and a bit of a punt considering Rodrigo’s inconsistent record so far in his career, but he has quality and could play alongside Jermain Defoe out wide and add a new threat to the Black Cats attack if they can pull off a deal.
Benfica’s Rodrigo in action against Claudio Marchisio of Juventus
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