Sunderland boss Peter Reid today splashed out £3.5 million to snatch Argentinian whizzkid Nicolas Medina.

The Black Cats manager beat off a number of clubs to take the 19-year-old attacking midfielder to the Stadium of Light.

Reid was thrilled after landing Medina, who played with Mackems hero Julio Arca, 20, for Argentinos Juniors last season.

The South American will be hoping to emulate Arca, who's become a terrace idol following his £3.5m transatlantic switch to Wearside last summer.

Medina has signed a long-term deal which will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2006.

Reid swooped after jetting out to Buenos Aires to watch the exciting youngster earlier this year.

He told the Sunderland website: "I've seen Nicolas on a couple of occasions now and he's impressed me immensely.

"He has excellent passing ability, good tackling technique and has all the attributes of a complete midfield player.

"I am confident that Nicolas will settle at Sunderland - you only need look at Julio Arca and the way he has adapted and taken to English football.

"He is an excellent addition to the squad and I'm confident he'll be a huge success."

Medina made his debut for Argentinos Juniors at just 17 and has been capped by his country at Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

He told safc.com: "I'm looking forward to playing at the Stadium of Light in front of big crowds, and I'm very happy to join Sunderland.

"I've spoken to Julio about the club and I've followed Sunderland on television this season.

"I know the English game is very fast and I can't wait to play in it. I'm very excited. I want to play the kind of football I play in Argentina at Sunderland."

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