The Black Cats had reportedly been battling their Premier League rivals for his signature.
Javier Manquillo
Sunderland are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid full-back Javier Manquillo on a season-long loan, according to the Daily Mail.
Sky Sports reported at the weekend that the Black Cats were interested in signing the 22-year-old, but would have to see off competition from Premier League rivals Watford if they hoped to complete a deal.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
However, the Mail is now claiming that David Moyes’ men are close to winning the race for the Spaniard, who has represented his country at every youth level.
The defender is, of course, no stranger to the top flight in England, having previously endured a difficult loan spell with Liverpool earlier in his career.
Manquillo during his loan spell with Liverpool
Manquillo joined the Reds on a two-year deal, but returned to Vicente Calderon after just one season having failed to make a major impression on Merseyside.
However, last season, he appeared to be starting to establish himself as the player that Brendan Rodgers hoped to see when he brought him to Anfield, making 31 appearances in Ligue 1 for Marseille and arguably turning out to be one of their better performers.
And Moyes will be hoping that he continues that progression if he ends up moving to the Stadium of Light this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
