Sebastian Coates has revealed that the opportunity to work under Gus Poyet was a big factor behind his decision to join Sunderland on transfer deadline day.

The central defender, who was not seen as part of Liverpool's plans this season by Brendan Rodgers, will spend the season on loan at the Stadium of Light, and he admits to being excited by the prospect of being coached by his fellow Uruguayan.

"He was a great player for Uruguay and as a manager, he just keeps improving after starting out at Brighton where he did really well," Coates told reporters. "He likes to play good football which is really important to me because at Liverpool it was the same style.

"After speaking to me, I know what he wants from me and I am really excited about this opportunity."

Coates spent the second half of last season on loan at Nacional in Uruguay.