Sunderland and Southampton battle to sign South American defender

Former Juventus star Martin Caceres is heading for London, with reports linking him with Sunderland and Southampton reports Gianluca Di Marzio.

Caceres has been without a club since leaving Juventus in June. As a result of being a free agent, Caceres is eligible to sign for a new club outside the transfer window.

TuttoMercatoWeb claim that the player rejected a move to Italian club AC Milan despite completing a medial with the club.

It is widely believed that the move was not completed because the Milan club did not meet his wage demands. He reportedly turned down a £4000 a week wage with a £21 000 pay per play bonus from the club.

It looks as if Caceres is preparing for life in the Premier League. Given the financial muscle of Premier League clubs, the interested clubs are likely to be able to meet his wage demands.

Caceres is highly experienced, having made 110 appearances for Juventus.