Lisbon (AFP) – Sunderland defender Sebastian Coates has had his loan spell at Sporting Lisbon extended until the end of next season, the Portuguese club announced on Tuesday.

The Uruguayuan international initially moved to Sporting in January on a deal until the end of this term, but he has impressed as Jorge Jesus’ side have stayed in the Portuguese title race ahead of the final matches of the season on Sunday.

Sporting said they had reached an agreement with Sunderland to keep the 25-year-old at the club until the end of the 2016-17 campaign, without giving any further details.

The original loan deal gave the Lisbon club the option to sign former Liverpool player Coates permanently in the summer for 5 million euros ($5.68 million).

Ahead of their weekend visit to Braga, Sporting trail Benfica, who host Nacional, by two points at the top of the table.