Sunderland set sights on Spanish starlet

Sunderland have reportedly set their sights on Spanish starlet Manu Molina - despite the midfielder having played only 183 minutes of professional football.

The 19-year-old is currently on the books of Espanyol and has a contract with the La Liga side until 2013.

Spanish magazine SPORT reports the promising playmaker has turned manager Steve Bruce's head despite limited playing time - but the Black Cats' boss will have to meet Molina's £7m buy-out clause if he wants to land his man.

While Molina has not played much, he can boast a full 90 minute run-out against Real Madrid but could not stop Espanyol losing 3-0.