Sunderland are lining up a £2m bid for South African international Siyabonga Nomvete.

The 22-year-old Kaiser Chiefs star revealed that he is in talks with the Premiership club.

Nomvete, known as South Africa's Michael Owen because of his lightning pace, said: "Sunderland have indicated to Kaiser Chiefs that they are interested in me.

"My club, business manager Mike Makaab and I are currently in negotiations."

Perugia lead several continental clubs who are also trailing a striker voted South Africa's player of the season this month after scoring 20 goals.

But Nomvete, capped ten times, has made it clear he would prefer to join Sunderland, where he spent two weeks on trial towards the end of last season.

Makaab said: "Siyabonga is a remarkable young player who will become a real world star.

"He wants to play in England and loved it when he went to Sunderland."

Nomvete, who averages nearly a goal a game in under-23 appearances for his country, can play as a striker or in a wide role.

With Milton Nunez certain to miss chunks of next season because of World Cup qualifying commitments with Honduras, Reid will be tempted to bring in a striker as cover for Kevin Phillips.

New signing Don Hutchison was used in the role alongside Niall Quinn in the midweek friendly at Mechelen and did enough to convince the Irishman he will be a huge success at the Stadium of Light.

Quinn said: "Don's an exceptionally gifted player. You can go only one way with signings like him - and that's up.

"I played against him when Ireland played Scotland in May and he was the best player on the field, head and shoulders above everyone.

"We're lucky to have got him because I know a lot of people were trying to get him on board."

With Phillips having treatment in Sunderland on a knee problem, Hutchison is likely to continue in the striker's role at Porto tonight.

Reid plans to play his strongest side, which means the probable line-up is: Sorensen; Makin, Njanka, Varga, Gray; Oster, Roy, Lumsdon, Kilbane; Hutchison, Quinn