Defender Santiago Vergini has revealed that he is set to sign a new two-year deal at Sunderland if the club can maintain their Premier League status.

The Argentinean defender is currently on-loan from Costa Rican side Sport Uruguay de Coronado and the permanent deal can only be triggered if the Black Cats remain in England's top flight next season.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "In the contract, it is written that if we stay in the Premier League, I can stay here for another two years.

"I feel very comfortable here, both at the club and outside the club, so I would be very keen to stay.

"The only downside is the climate and the weather, but even that has been good for the last few days!

"It has been very good to play regularly [this season] and I am very happy. I think with time, I have been able to adapt more to the style of play and also to my team-mates."

Vergini, who was on loan from Estudiantes for the second half of last season, has made 29 league appearances for the north east club this season.