The Portuguese giants have an option to buy the Sunderland loanee.
Sunderland defender Sebastian Coates is en route to becoming a permanent employee of Sporting Clube de Portugal, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese outlet claims that negotiations have begun for the Black Cats loanee, who has impressed for the Lions this season.
Sporting are said to have a €5 million option to purchase Coates at any point during his current loan spell, which expires at the end of the campaign.
However, it appears they have already seen enough of the Sunderland man to press ahead with acquiring his services.
The Portuguese giants are said to be exploring their options regarding a payment structure, after which they will have to agree terms with Coates.
And the Uruguayan seems to be enjoying life at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, having scored three times in seven league outings so far – putting him among Whoscored‘s highest-ranked performers so far.
Coates arrived at Sunderland on loan from Liverpool in 2014 and was one of the Mackems’ standout players during the latter stages of his maiden season in the north east.
However, the 26-year-old struggled for opportunities once his move was made permanent, and departed the Stadium of Light in January this year.
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