Sunderland AFC news: Sporting Lisbon target defender, David Moyes press conference, Arsenal build-up

The Sunderland centre-back is currently on an 18-month loan deal but reports in Portugal say the clubs have entered into talks over a possible permanent deal in January.

Coates has impressed officials at the Portugese side this season and they are understood to be keen to make his move a permanent one.

Sporting are reported to have an option to buy the Uruguayan centre-back at the end of the season for £4.5m but reports suggest that may happen sooner.Meanwhile, Sunderland boss David Moyes is holding his pre-match press conference this afternoon ahead of the visit of Arsenal tomorrow lunchtime (12.30pm kick-off).

Richard Mennear is at the Academy of Light to bring you all the latest team and injury news.

For the latest updates follow our live blog here:And finally, Sunderland AFC has confirmed players, officials and supporters will observe a period of silence ahead of the Premier League game against Arsenal tomorrow, in recognition of the country-wide Remembrance Commemorations.

A club statement read: "The game, which takes place on Saturday 29 October, will see over 1,000 serving military personnel, veterans groups and families of soldiers who have lost their lives in the service of their country, attend the Stadium of Light.

"Supporters are reminded that, as is tradition in Remembrance commemorations, a silence will be held not a period of applause.

"The fixture is a 12.30pm kick off and all supporters are kindly asked to take their seats early to ensure that the silence is observed in the appropriate manner."

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