Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is edging closer to his first signing since taking permanent control of the Black Cats by capturing Sebastian Coates from Liverpool.

Advocaat steered Sunderland away from relegation last season after taking over as interim boss from Gus Poyet.

The Dutchman told the club he would not be taking over on a permanent basis at the end of the season before having a change of heart.

Coates was on loan at the Stadium of Light from Liverpool last season and, while he struggled to hold down a starting place under compatriot Poyet, he became a vital cog in the wheel for Advocaat during Sunderland’s late rally that preserved their top-flight status.

The 24-year-old Uruguay international is set to make a £2m move to the north east, with Sunderland hopeful of reaching a successful conclusion to the transfer within days.

The defender has just one year remaining on his deal at Liverpool and does not appear to have a future on Merseyside under Brendan Rodgers.

Coates is currently on a short break having represented his country at the Copa America in Chile.

During his loan spell at Sunderland, Coates featured in 13 Premier League games but, significantly, he played every minute of the Black Cats’ last six matches where they collected the three victories that ensured they avoided the dreaded drop into the Championship.

Although yet to make a signing this summer, Advocaat is clearly working hard behind the scenes and he has also been linked with a move to bring midfielder Stewart Downing to the Stadium of Light from West Ham.

Sunderland are 2.75 to be relegated from the Premier League next season while they are 8.50 to finish bottom of the table.