Report: Sunderland to pay £4m for Sebastian Coates

Sunderland have reportedly decided to step up their attempts to sign Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates.

The Uruguayan spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, and reports earlier this month suggested that Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat was keen on a permanent deal for the centre-back.

Coates doesn't appear to have a future at Anfield under Brendan Rodgers, and the Newcastle Chronicle claims that Sunderland are ready to bid £4m after Uruguay were knocked out of the Copa America.

The 24-year-old has previously indicated that he would be eager to sign for the club, and Sunderland are likely to hold talks with Liverpool over the next couple of weeks.

Coates made just 12 appearances in all competitions last season, but he became a key player after Advocaat arrived to boost Sunderland's bid for survival.