Sunderland close to Coates deal

Sunderland are inching closer to a summer deal for Liverpool flop Sebastian Coates, according to reports.

The Uruguayan international spent last season on loan at the Wearside, and was largely impressive during the back end of the campaign as they scrapped away from the relegation battle.

Sky sources now reveal that the Black Cats are close to signing the talented defender for a fee of around £4m this summer.

Coates has failed to settle at Liverpool since his move from Nacional in 2011.