Sunderland will have to fork out £500,000 to sign Leeds United defender Lewie Coyle on a permanent deal this month, according to reports.

The 24-year-old full-back spent the first half of the season on loan from the Championship side at Joey Barton’s Fleetwood and played against Sunderland on New Year’s Day, the game ending 1-1.

Coyle was on a six-month loan deal at Fleetwood with that arrangement ending this month.

Sunderland are reported to be keen on bringing him to the Stadium of Light this month, possibly in a cut-price permanent deal with Coyle’s contract at Leeds United due to expire this summer.

Sunderland have been linked with a January move for the Leeds United defender. | JPIMedia

placeholder image — Sunderland have been linked with a January move for the Leeds United defender. | JPIMedia

Football Insider report Leeds have slapped a £500k price tag on him for anyone looking to sign him this month.

Coyle, who has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, is most comfortable at right-back but can also play at left-back and in central midfield.