Red tape delays Sunderland new boy's debut

Red tape threatens to keep Sunderland new boy Cristian Riveros out for the start of the season.

Steve Bruce has been left fuming by the frustrating delay in the Paraguay World Cup star linking up with his new team-mates.

Riveros sealed a Bosman free from Mexican side Cruz Azul in May, but the midfielder has been forced to kick his heels in South America as he waits for a visa.

Bruce hopes the 27-year-old, who played a starring role in his country’s march to the last eight in South Africa, will arrive on Wearside early next week.

But that would leave Riveros with just one warm-up match to get up to speed, when Sunderland visit German side Hoffenheim on August 8, making him a major doubt for the Premier League curtain raiser against Birmingham six days later.

Boss Bruce said: “We’re looking forward to Cristian linking up with the rest of the squad as soon as possible, he’s a great addition.”