Sunderland are close to finalising a season loan for Atletico Madrid right-back Javier Manquillo.

The 22-year old has had spells with Liverpool and Marseille in recent seasons.

The Black Cats were reportedly competing with Premier League rivals Watford for the Spain Under 21 international, although it seems that David Moyes has won the race.

Sunderland are closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid full-back Javier Manquillo (L)

The Spain Under 21 defender (centre) spent last season on loan with Ligue 1 side Marseille

MANQUILLO LEAGUE STATS 2015/16 Appearances: 31 Goals: 0 Shot accuracy: 43 per cent Chances created: 16 Pass accuracy: 82 per cent Duels won: 60 per cent Yellow/red cards: 2/0 Advertisement

Manquillo was signed by Brendan Rodgers at Anfield on a two-year loan deal in 2014, but only made 10 appearances for the Reds before he was returned to Spain.

The Madrid-born right-back, who has represented Spain at every youth level from Under 16 to Under 21, became his career in Real Madrid's youth team before leaving for city rivals Atletico in 2007.

The defender spent last season on loan with French Ligue 1 club Marseille, where he played 37 times.

The right-back made only 10 appearances before his loan with Liverpool was cut short

Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone has urged his side to take the EFL Cup seriously

Meanwhile, Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone is urging his side to use the EFL Cup to belatedly launch their season before it spirals out of control.

'It's an important competition where, from my experience, we started to play well. It was like a kind of training for the league, so it builds your confidence, it gives games to most of the boys in the team and if you do well, you do well in the league,' he said.