Sunderland have reportedly sanctioned a loan exit for Sebastian Coates.
The Uruguayan centre-back has been a regular for the Black Cats this season, having made 22 appearances in all competitions.
However, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Coates is on the verge of finalising a six-month stint with Sporting Lisbon.
The report adds that Sporting will have the option to sign the 25-year-old on a permanent deal during the summer.
Coates joined Sunderland from Liverpool in July 2015.