Sunderland are ready to make a loan move for Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates.
The Uruguayan defender returned to Anfield this summer after a spell with his boy-hood club Nacional but he has since been deemed surplus to requirements after boss Brendan Rodgers strengthened his options with the summer signing of Dejan Lovren.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is keen to sign another defender and add extra quality to his side and he sees compatriot Coates as the perfect option, with a one-year loan deal planned.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Sunderland have been heavy this summer with the planned move of Fabio Borini having stalled, but contact has remained and it is now expected that the Black Cats will make an official bid on Monday morning.
Coates joined Liverpool in 2011 but has featured just 24 times for the Merseyside club.