An update has emerged on Kristjaan Speakman's pursuit of Marlos Moreno as he eyes an attempt to bring him to Sunderland in the summer transfer window...

What's the talk?

According to AS Colombia, the Black Cats are one of three Championship teams showing an interest in snapping the 25-year-old up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Norwich, recently relegated from the Premier League, and Bristol City are also keen on securing his services.

However, it is not stated how much money Manchester City want for the attacker, who has one year left to run on his current contract after they signed him for £4.5m in 2016.

Imagine him & Patrick Roberts

By securing a deal to sign Moreno this summer, Sunderland would be able to form an exciting wing partnership with the Colombian and current Black Cats attacker Patrick Roberts.

The 25-year-old forward was highly-rated at the start of his career, impressing enough to earn him a move to The Etihad.

South American football journalist Tim Vickery previously lauded his talent and compared him to three exceptional players, saying: “There are no guarantees but not since the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Neymar have I been so enthusiastic about a young player.”

Manchester City chief Txiki Begiristain then hailed the attacker upon his arrival in England, telling the club's official website: 

"Marlos is an excellent prospect who has already broken into his national team.

"He's a versatile player, still learning, but we believe he has a fantastic future in the game and with City. He makes and scores goals and is an intelligent footballer, we're delighted to have signed him."

However, he has not lived up to the likes of Neymar and Aguero and has spent a number of seasons on loan away from Manchester.

Moreno did show signs of promise in the 2020/21 campaign as he scored five goals and set up four in 23 league games for Lommel SK, whilst also scoring once in two cup matches, showing that he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third.

Roberts, meanwhile, managed two goals and one assist - creating 12 chances - in nine League One starts for the Black Cats last term.

Both players are 25 and heading into, what will hopefully be, the prime years of their respective careers. They can hit their stride whilst lining up on both flanks for Sunderland and potentially terrorise defenders in the final third if Neil can unlock the best of their abilities.

AND in other news, Neil can land Doyle 2.0 as SAFC eye move for £2.7m-rated wiz who "never loses control"...