SUNDERLAND are pondering a move for Argentinian winger Nacho Scocco as the summer transfer speculation intensified.

Representatives of the 28- year-old Newells Old Boys forward were suggested to be meeting with Sunderland officials today after reporters in Argentina linked Paolo Di Canio’s club with the former Al-Ain player.

Scocco, who returned to his first club Newell’s after an unsuccessful spell in the same side as former Black Cats striker Asamoah Gyan, scored 30 goals in 40 games last season and is a right-footed left winger.

Scocco is the second Argentinian to be linked with Sunderland after Lucas Orban, a full back at Tigre, was understood to be in talks with the Wearsiders.

Di Canio has already agreed deals with Tavares Cabral, Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite as Sunderland look to do a chunk of their transfer dealings as early as possible.

Di Canio’s first summer signing was Duncan Watmore, who joined from League Two Altrincham, and is excited about his future on Wearside.

“I wouldn’t have predicted this two months ago. It’s all been so crazy for me, and it’s come out of nowhere,” Watmore said.

“All this season I’ve just been thinking about doing well for Altrincham. I assumed I’d be there next season, and then this offer came along.”

Watmore is not expected to be a first-team player straight away, but the striker, who scored 15 goals last season, is looking forward to working with Di Canio.

“I think whatever changes he does bring will be for the better of the club,” he said.

“I’m very happy with being disciplined and I think it’s very important. Keeping the players in line is a good thing.”

“The aim is to be working under him, so I want to get that opportunity and hopefully if I play well, I might get the chance.

“Sunderland had such a good football philosophy, I got the impression straight away that it was a very serious club and very keen on hard work. They treat the youth team really well and put a lot of emphasis on that.”

Watmore will combine his football with studying for a degree in Finance and Economics, which he will be transferring from Manchester to Newcastle University.

“I want to prove myself,” he said. “And hopefully I can.

I’m looking forward to doing so.’’