Sunderland should accelerate Matias Galarza deal after new 'update'

Sunderland have the chance to make a formal move for Matias Galarza as River Plate reveal their plan to let him leave this summer.

The Black Cats are yet to make real waves in the market this summer after such an expensive window followed their promotion to the Premier League.

Several first-team players have departed, while Thomas Meunier has arrived as their sole senior signing, but things are expected to ramp up as the season draws ever closer.

Regis Le Bris is set to address his lack of midfield depth this summer, even after Granit Xhaka decided to stay in the north east amid real interest from Chelsea.

River Plate and Paraguay star Galarza has been linked with a move to Sunderland after he shone at the World Cup during their run to the last 16.

The Argentine club have now made it clear that they wish to sell the 24-year-old, who would surely improve Le Bris' midfield ahead of next season.

Matias Galarza is available to sign after World Cup heroics

Galarza is a versatile midfielder whose strongest role is as a box-to-box midfielder, but he can play across the centre and also out wide on the left.

His energy, tenacity and determination were on show for all to see at the World Cup as he played a key role in Paraguay's impressive run.

The 24-year-old scored within two minutes of his tournament debut against Turkey, and earned the FIFA Player of the Match award for a fine group stage showing.

He went on to impress against Australia, with the most defensive contributions of any player on the pitch (9) and 10 ground duels won, then his crowning moment came in their round of 32 win against Germany.

Galarza delivered a fine assist for Julio Enciso to open the scoring, won nine duels, drew three fouls and made 10 recoveries before expertly scoring his penalty in their historic victory.

He even impressed in their loss to France, and seemed to revel in becoming the villain of the encounter after a spat with Kylian Mbappe.

Galarza has plied his trade on loan at MLS side Atlanta United since March, and it was reported on Wednesday that River will look to cash in on him this summer.

Reports in Argentina have linked Sunderland to his services since he impressed at the World Cup, and he looks like the ideal signing for Le Bris to add depth to his squad ahead of their Europa League campaign.

Paraguay manager's praise proves Galarza's quality

Sources told Football Insider that Sunderland loan man Lutsharel Geertruida was open to staying in the Premier League this summer, but they have decided against signing him to bolster their midfield ranks.

Their lack of numbers in the middle of the park must alarm Le Bris, with a month until the season starts.

Paraguay boss Gustavo Alvaro made his feelings clear on Galarza's situation after they went out of the World Cup, saying: "Suddenly, Galarza couldn’t play for River Plate? Oh, right, he can play against Germany and he can play against France…but he can’t play for River, all right. Galarza can play for any team in the world."

Sunderland can offer the Paraguay star the chance to prove River Plate wrong this summer, and should be accelerating a move as other European clubs eye his services.