Multiple targets have been named recently as potential replacements for Stefan De Vrij, when the Dutchman leaves this summer on a free transfer. The latest reports from Italy are suggesting that Lazio is looking to add to their increasingly more international dressing room with the signing of Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates.

Sebastian Coates signed for Sporting Lisbon for around €5 million in 2017 from Sunderland, after having signed for the Tyneside club from Liverpool in 2015. After poor stints in England with both Sunderland and Liverpool, Coates moved to Portugal in an attempt to rejuvenate his career.

The 27-year-old defender has since impressed, additionally winning 30 caps for his national side; despite fierce competition from Atletico Madrid duo Diego Godin and Jose Giminez.

This season, Coates has featured in 40 games in all competitions, with an average of 2.1 tackles per game and 3.4 clearances per game. He has scored twice, assisted once and picked up a MOTM award in a 1-0 away win against Rio Ave.

Sebastian Coates is likely to be available for a fee in the region of €12 million and could prove to be an experienced yet competent addition to Lazio’s defense.

Coates will be looking to follow in the footsteps of former Liverpool players Lucas Leiva and Luis Alberto; who have both shined since moving to Lazio.