Gus Poyet has revealed he lined up Argentinean international Santiago Vergini to play for Albion in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old centre-back is set to join Sunderland’s fight against relegation on a short term deal.

Poyet had lined him up for the Seagulls – should they have gone up from the Championship.

He said: “He is a player I know well because we were following him last season in case we went up with Brighton.

“I watched him for about six months when he was with Newells Old Boys and the way he plays, understands football and his physical size made me think of him as a potential signing.

“He has played one game for the national team and he has also been in the squad a few times.

“Then of course, everything happened in the summer, Brighton did not go up and I left the club.”

Poyet remains hopeful of adding Albion midfielder Liam Bridcutt to his squad this month.