Swapping the sunshine of Mexico for a weather cocktail of wind, rain and snow on Wearside may seem foolish, but the lure of the World Cup can do strange things to those who have designs on being part of it.

Contrary to widespread opinion players are not daft, not when it comes to personal gain.

The finals in South Africa will represent a stage like no other for those taking part and a potential golden ticket to untold riches and fame.

Which is why Paraguay international Salvador Cabanas is willing to exchange the heat of Mexico for Sunderland if a loan move materialises.

He has scored 64 goals in 113 games for Club America, won both the 'Paraguayan' and 'South American Footballer of the Year' awards and, on the face of it, enjoys a lifestyle to envy.
Yet he is not certain of his place in the Paraguay squad for South Africa, which is where Sunderland come in.

Cabanas wants a crack at the Premier League to sharpen up for his country before the World Cup Finals.

The bustling, exciting and sometimes temperamental star knows he will go in the shop window in England, benefiting his own career and his chances of making the starting line-up for Paraguay.

So if that means having to brave freezing temperatures for a few weeks, then so be it.

Cabanas also fits neatly into the Sunderland equation for manager Steve Bruce.

He can come in to compete with Darren Bent and Kenwyn Jones and has faith in his ability to be a regular starter, which can only benefit Bruce, who knows his interest in Cabanas is far from certain to lead to a deal.

The South American star has other Premier League admirers and his immediate future appears far from certain.

Bruce said: "I've monitored Cabanas. You know I've had a little contact in South America. Cabanas is a fantastic player, but whether it's possible, I'm not quite sure.

"He's somebody who would be of interest, but if he became available, there would be lots more interest."

While the player appreciateshow the Premier League can elevate a player's profile and standing, there is a further complication because his club are set to play hardball over his immediate future.

Club America's president Michel Bauer said: "We don't know anything, whether they will put a lot of money on the table or not, the priority in Latin America is not Sunderland.

"I will not talk about it. We say nothing absolutely nothing. When we get a proposal we will discuss it and we will gladly tell them what we think. But Salvador is very happy with the team.

"He is very happy with us and we are with him. We are not interested in loaning or transferring him."