Liverpool Close In On Coates
Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates will arrive in Liverpool today to complete his £7million switch from Nacional. A fee has been agreed for the highly-rated 6ft 6ins centre-back and he will now discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
The Reds, who have remained tight-lipped over the deal, need to obtain a work permit for Coates before the transfer is rubber-stamped.
The 20-year-old could be swiftly followed into Anfield by Craig Bellamy, with Kenny Dalglish keen to snap up the 32-year-old striker if he's granted a free transfer by Manchester City.
Liverpool are yet to make an official approach for Bellamy but the Welshman would relish a return to the club he played for in the 2006/07 season.
Coates left his homeland yesterday after being given permission by Uruguay champions Nacional to hold talks with the Reds.
The defender, who was crowned young player of the tournament at last month's Copa America, said an emotional farewell to the club where he has spent the past decade.
"For the fans I can only give words of gratitude, they have always treated me fantastically and supported me in the hardest times," he said.
"I will wear the Nacional jersey again, however, and I hope when this happens I get the same great backing."
There was also interest from Manchester City and Ukrainian outfit FC Dnipro but Luis Suarez helped convince his Uruguay teammate to choose Liverpool.
"The chance to move to Liverpool is very attractive," Coates said. "It's a club with a lot of tradition and history in English football, and the fact that Luis is there is a great help for me.
"Luis got in touch with me and we had a chat. It is good there is another Uruguayan already in the team."
The fee of £7million shatters the previous Uruguayan transfer record - beating the £3.5m Ajax paid Nacional for Nicolas Lodeiro.
However, Nacional will only pocket around half the cash having sold some of the rights to Coates to a third party investment group when he was a trainee.
Suarez and Coates will join up with the Uruguay squad following Saturday's home clash with Bolton as they prepare for a friendly against Ukraine in Kharkiv next Friday.
Coates would become Dalglish's sixth summer signing followed the acquisition of Jordan Henderson, Alexander Doni, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique.
The 20-year-old could be swiftly followed into Anfield by Craig Bellamy, with Kenny Dalglish keen to snap up the 32-year-old striker if he's granted a free transfer by Manchester City.
Liverpool are yet to make an official approach for Bellamy but the Welshman would relish a return to the club he played for in the 2006/07 season.
Coates left his homeland yesterday after being given permission by Uruguay champions Nacional to hold talks with the Reds.
The defender, who was crowned young player of the tournament at last month's Copa America, said an emotional farewell to the club where he has spent the past decade.
"For the fans I can only give words of gratitude, they have always treated me fantastically and supported me in the hardest times," he said.
"I will wear the Nacional jersey again, however, and I hope when this happens I get the same great backing."
There was also interest from Manchester City and Ukrainian outfit FC Dnipro but Luis Suarez helped convince his Uruguay teammate to choose Liverpool.
"The chance to move to Liverpool is very attractive," Coates said. "It's a club with a lot of tradition and history in English football, and the fact that Luis is there is a great help for me.
"Luis got in touch with me and we had a chat. It is good there is another Uruguayan already in the team."
The fee of £7million shatters the previous Uruguayan transfer record - beating the £3.5m Ajax paid Nacional for Nicolas Lodeiro.
However, Nacional will only pocket around half the cash having sold some of the rights to Coates to a third party investment group when he was a trainee.
Suarez and Coates will join up with the Uruguay squad following Saturday's home clash with Bolton as they prepare for a friendly against Ukraine in Kharkiv next Friday.
Coates would become Dalglish's sixth summer signing followed the acquisition of Jordan Henderson, Alexander Doni, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique.
