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The Uruguay international has the talent to be a good first-team regular for a top flight side but has not experienced the best of luck at Liverpool. When Sebastián Coates signed for the Reds in 2011 from Nacional, the deal was hailed as a coup for the club. Coates was one of the stars of the 2011 Copa América where Uruguay were triumphant and was voted as the tournament's best young player. Injuries and a lack of opportunities haven't helped the towering 24-year-old win a regular place in the side, but he looks set to find a regular spot elsewhere next season.
Coates spent last year at Sunderland but only found minutes and form when compatriot Gus Poyet was sacked. Dick Advocaat's arrival was beneficial for both club and player, and with the Dutchman set to continue next season, Coates is believed to be a top target this summer. Advocaat clearly wants players who served him well between March and May to be around next season, and Sunderland's sporting director Lee Congerton will carry out the manager's wishes in securing the future of players who have served the manager well.
The Evening Chronicle, a local paper that brings reliable news for both Newcastle and Sunderland, reports that Coates will be one of two reliable centre-backs brought in by the Black Cats this summer but a deal for the Uruguayan will have to wait until after the Copa América. Whether the clubs have to wait to agree a fee before Sunderland present a suitable offer to Coates' representative is unknown, but there have been many instances of players wanting to wait until after an international tournament to sort out new contracts and transfer moves.
It'll be interesting to see whether Sunderland will make a generous offer as they did last summer for Fabio Borini. Coates won't command a similar fee, of course, but Liverpool may be able to recoup the money paid in 2011 if Sunderland feel charitable. This may be difficult to achieve with just a year left on the defender's contract, but hopefully all parties can find a somewhat satisfactory agreement if and when negotiations begin.
