The 21-year-old full-back made his debut for the Buenos Aires-based club in 2011, and has been a permanent fixture in Ricardo Gareca's first team ever since.

But he could now be closing in on a move to England with Sunderland, as Paolo Di Canio looks to make his mark ahead of a first full season in charge at the Stadium of Light.

Velez chairman Miguel Callelo told Radio Rock & Pop: "(Velez and Sunderland) talked about the payment conditions and the values, we reached an agreement quickly.

"Now Gino Peruzzi's representatives and the English club need to reach an agreement.

"When this kind of proposal comes, it's hard to say no. If we turn them down, we might never receive this kind of proposal again."

Peruzzi has four senior caps for Argentina, and started in the 1-1 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw with Ecuador in June.