Liverpool bring in Uruguay defender Coates

Liverpool: Liverpool have completed the signing of Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates from Nacional.

The 20-year-old is understood to have been signed for a fee in the region of 7 million Pounds (8m Euros) after impressing during Uruguay’s victorious Copa America campaign this summer, winning the award for the best young player at the tournament in the process.

The centre-back had attracted reported interest from Tottenham and was understood to have been offered to Arsenal, however it is Liverpool who jumped to the front of the queue and snapped up the highly-rated youngster.

It was clear the Anfield club were in the market for a centre-back following extensive links with Phil Jones before he signed for Manchester United, and the need for more numbers in that area was solidified when Sotirios Kyrgiakos left for German side Wolfsburg.

Coates, who has been capped five times for Uruguay's senior side, has joined Liverpool on a long-term contract and the club was able to confirm the signing after the Nacional youth-product passed a medical as well as being granted a work permit.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv afterwards, Coates hailed the influence of fellow countryman Luis Suarez in convincing him to join the Anfield club.

"Luis told me a lot about Liverpool - but about the fans more than anything else. He told me how passionate they are about the club and how supportive they are."

"I saw that myself on Saturday when the fans really got behind their side against Bolton and that was great to see."

"Luis also told me about the history and the tradition of the club and now I feel very happy and excited to be here because I have left one great club in Nacional and signed for another great club with a fantastic history."

"To come to such a big club alongside a fellow countryman is very important for me."

He added: "I want to win as much as I can in a Liverpool shirt and that means the league title and any cup competitions we take part in. We have to set our sights high."

Before he makes his debut for his new club, Coates is due to travel to Kiev where Uruguay are set to face the Ukraine in an international friendly on Friday.