SUNDERLAND'S relegation battle received a major boost last night when it emerged the cash-strapped club can sign Japan's World Cup star Kazuyuki Toda on loan until the end of the season.

Toda, 25, will be allowed to leave Shimuzo S-Pulse for Sunderland during the transfer window with a view to a permanent move.

The midfielder, who has impressed in training since arriving on Wearside earlier this month, is keen to leave S-Pulse and came close to joining Blackburn Rovers last year.

And sources in Japan said last night that Sunderland, who have a sparse transfer budget after announcing debts of more than £25m a month ago, could make a move for the player this week.

Toda's club are yet to receive an offer from the Black Cats, who have just 11 days to strengthen their squad before the market closes.

But an S-Pulse spokesman said: "We will gladly listen to what Sunderland have to say."

Toda was twice suspended by S-Pulse last season and even fought with then coach Zdravko Zemunovic.

He was a regular for Japan under Phillipe Troussier but his club problems have contributed to Brazil legend Zico not picking him for either of his first two squads in charge of the national team.

Toda said: "This has come as a real surprise but nothing has been decided yet.

"I have to put everything into this opportunity. Sunderland have a fantastic stadium and they have fantastic supporters."

While Sunderland's relegation rivals have frantically tried to improve their squads since the January sales started, Howard Wilkinson has not made a serious move for any player.

However, Toda has made a strong case for his recruitment and Wilkinson must now decide whether to make him his first signing as Sunderland manager.

Wilkinson said: "He is a very competent player. We will be talking to his club about the situation."

Wilkinson could break off from Sunderland's break in Spain tonight to watch transfer target Silas in action.

Midfielder Silas - real name Jorge Manuel Rebelo Fernandes - will represent Portugal B against Slovenia in Rio Maior.

The 27-year-old, who plays for Uniao De Leiria, has done well in front of Sunderland's scouting staff, and talks have opened between the club and his agent Jorge Gama.

Gama said: "The final decision lies with Howard Wilkinson and we hope he will still come and see Silas as planned.

"Sunderland are very interested in Silas and he is keen to play in the Premier League. He's ready to travel to England immediately and he thinks he would be able to help Sunderland avoid relegation."

Meanwhile, Julio Arca's agent claimed last night that Sunderland had rejected an approach from Espanyol for the Argentinian midfielder.

Arca is wanted by the Spanish club, who value the player at £3m, but they were given no encouragement by the Premiership strugglers.

Daniel Bolotnicoff, who represents Arca, said: "Espanyol phoned Sunderland to see what Julio's situation was, but they said they did not wish to lose the player and that he wasn't available.

"He will not go, even if Sunderland are relegated. He doesn't want to go to Spain.

"Julio loves it at Sunderland and the fans adore him.

"He has settled down well in the area and he is happy to see out the remaining three years on his contract."

Sunderland confirmed last night that they have extended defender Cliff Byrne's loan spell with Scunthorpe United by another month. The 20-year-old is now due to return to Wearside on February 21.

* The ghost of Peter Reid could come back to haunt Sunderland after their erstwhile manager told relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers to sign Pierre-Yves Andre - the striker who almost moved to Wearside last summer.

Reid has advised friend Sam Allardyce, the Bolton boss, to move for French striker Andre before the transfer window closes.

And Bolton were last night in talks with Andre's club Nantes over a possible loan deal after Michael Ricketts had a transfer request accepted by Wanderers.

Andre's agent Willie McKay said: "Sunderland tried to sign Pierre when Peter Reid was in charge, and Reid told Allardyce about him."

* Former Liverpool star Mark Lawrenson insists that footballers' betting was just the same in his day as it is now, and that Michael Owen should be able to spend his money how he pleases.

Lawrenson joins a long line of ex-pros who have jumped to Owen's defence amid claims that he gambles excessively.

Owen has admitted losing around £40,000 - about half a week's wages for the Anfield star - over the last two years.

Lawrenson said: ''Back in the 80s we used to play cards, relatively speaking for about the same amounts and it was never a bone of contention.

"That hasn't changed and no one in the game will think of it as something to worry about, unless players take their debts and losses onto the pitch with them and it affects their performance or attitude towards team mates.

''David Beckham may gain the same enjoyment from spending thousands of pounds a month on designer clothes, but no-one would bat an eyelid about that.

''So Michael likes a gamble, so what. It's up to him what he spends his money on.''

Read more about Sunderland here.