Thursday 9 April 2015 10:42, UK
Sunderland defender Santiago Vergini may extend his stay on Wearside after revealing Premier League survival could trigger the offer of a two-year permanent contract.
The 26-year-old Argentine returned to the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan deal from Costa Rican side Sport Uruguay de Coronado in August last year and has made 35 appearances this season, the last of them a start in Sunday's 1-0 derby victory over Newcastle.
The win took the Black Cats three points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place and if they survive the drop under new head coach Dick Advocaat it could have significant consequences for Vergini.
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 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.
"Apart from the struggles we are going through in the league, I have felt very comfortable."
Vergini now wants Sunderland to build on their victory over the Magpies when they host Crystal Palace on Saturday.
He said: "Every win brings with it a lot of confidence and with a derby game, that is even more the case. In our next game, we need to show the same character and the same spirit as we did on Sunday."
