Sunderland join race to sign Ajax's Vurnon Anita

SUNDERLAND have kick-started a Tyne-Wear transfer tussle by joining the hunt for Ajax star Vurnon Anita, according to sources in Holland.

Newcastle United have already had a bid of around £4-5 million for the 23-year-old rejected.

The Amsterdam outfit are understood to be demanding double that figure.

However, after Ellis Short last week targeted a top-10 Premier League finish next season, he is understood to be ready to provide Martin O’Neill with significant summer funding.

The Black Cats boss made his first close-season signing on Monday, landing Carlos Cuellar on a free transfer following his release by Aston Villa.

That addition – with Cuellar able to play at centre-back or right-back – will pave the way for the departure of Argentinian flop Marcos Angeleri.

The 29-year-old arrived from Estudiantes in a £1.5 million move two years ago, but has failed to adapt to the rigours of Premier League football and has made just three appearances for the club.

His former side have been vying with rivals Independiente for his services and last week Angeleri admitted he has spoken to Estudientes.

They are set to sell current right-back Gabriel Mercado to River Plate and have targeted Angeleri as a like-for-like replacement.