Sunderland AFC transfer news: Defender closes in on permanent switch

Reports in Portugal claim Coates is set to agree to a pay-cut in order to win a five-year deal with Sporting Lisbon, where he is currently on an 18-month loan.

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, in January.

It would be a welcome transfer boost for Sunderland, who will need to strengthen their squad in January.

Portuguese newspaper Record claim the 26-year-old is willing to accept a reduced salary with the Portugese giants.

Coates joined Sunderland from Liverpool in the summer of 2015 for £2million.

He has made 14 appearances and scored three goals so far this season.