SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid, stepping up his search for a new right back, has been linked with Spaniard Hector Berenguel, writes FRANK JOHNSON.

The 26-year-old helped Seville win promotion to the top flight last season, but his contract has expired and he is available on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.

Sunderland sold their regular right back, Chris Makin, to Ipswich Town before last season's transfer deadline for £1.5m and brought in Patrice Carteron on loan from the French club St Etienne.

The 30-year-old defender, who played in eight of Sunderland's last nine games of the season, had hoped to win himself a permanent move to the Stadium of Light, but as yet Reid has not come up with the offer of a contract.

The Sunderland manager wants to keep all his options open as he tries to strengthen his squad for next season and is currently checking out possible right-back targets.

Carteron, who had the distinction of scoring Sunderland's goal in the 1-1 home draw against arch-rivals Newcastle United in April, believes he will be leaving St Etienne this summer even if Sunderland decide not to make him a transfer target.

Reid, who has agreed to pay Argentinos Juniors £3.5m for midfielder Nicolas Medina, hopes to tie up the £3m transfer this week of Bordeaux's French international striker Lilian Leslandes, despite suggestions that the 29-year-old, who underwent a hernia operation in December, has had problems with his medical.