Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will finally be able to make his first summer signing this week with Paraguayian stopper Paulo Da Silva poised to join the Wearsiders.

The 29-year-old experienced international will link up with Bruce's charges at The Stadium Of Light after agreeing a deal to sign from Mexican outfit Toluca.

He has enjoyed spells previously on the continent with the likes of Italian side Perugia, but the man with 53 caps to his name is yet to taste life in the Premier League. The move realises a lifelong ambition for the highly rated defender.

Da Silva is effectively a free agent, with his contract at Toluca having expired. But nevertheless the player was wholesome in his praise for the Mexican club, who he believes helped him finally secure the move to England's top flight.

"First of all I want to thank Deportivo Toluca for the effort they made and for giving me the opportunity to fulfill a dream, which is playing in Europe.

"It is certainly an important step in my football career, " he said.

Bruce is also closing in on Spurs talisman Darren Bent as he looks to rejuvenate a tired looking Black Cats squad.