SANTIAGO VERGINI has already made up his mind that he would love to be at Sunderland next season – and is determined to have his wish granted.

The Argentine defender is on a season-long loan at the Stadium of Light and feels comfortable and desperate to prove his worth for the long term in a red and white shirt.

Vergini has no intention to return to his parent club, Costa Rica’s Club Sport Uruguay de Coronado, at the end of the campaign and feels at home in the North-East.

This is his second spell at Sunderland, after a successful spell last season, and it is understood his loan switch has the potential for a permanent arrangement provided Gus Poyet’s team preserve Premier League status for a further 12 months.

Poyet tried to sign him on a full-time basis last summer but could not agree a fee for the £5m-rated South American. Vergini, though, has no desire to leave any time soon.

“What I really like most here is the football, but also the people here are very kind and pleasant and that’s something that, perhaps, was a little bit surprising,” said Vergini. “Whenever I’ve got any problems or issues people are always very willing to help, and I’m very grateful for this.

“I feel very comfortable here and I’m very happy here, both in terms of being at the club and also in the city and the local area. I really would like to stay, and I’d also like to have some new challenges. I think we’re now, currently, in a situation that’s perhaps not as tricky as last year’s situation.

“But we’re still down there fighting at the wrong end of the table, so I’d like to be able to face up to some new challenges and fight, perhaps, further up the table. I think it’s very important that we set ourselves targets like this, both on a personal level and as a group, to demonstrate that this group is actually capable of doing better.”

Vergini, who has caught the eye of his country’s selectors again following his positive performances in the Premier League, has adapted well to football in England after a shaky start following his initial move from Estudiantes 12 months ago.

He struggled at first to convince fans he deserves to be in the starting line-up and turned in a couple of really suspect performances during his first few months in the Premier League. He has got stronger and stronger and has deserved his place in Poyet’s team.

This season has seen him play more regularly at right-back, but he would prefer to be operating at the heart of the defence and feels he can prove himself in that role in time – even if he is still playing right-back against Liverpool tomorrow.

“My natural position would be at centre-back but I also feel very comfortable playing at right-back, particularly now, given that I’ve played so many games in that position. I feel very comfortable playing there,” he said.

“I know there are players injured for the full-back roles, and I think it’s important that the head coach has all of the players available for selection. This obviously gives greater competition for places, and this is only a good thing as long as it remains healthy competition. That’s important both for me and for all of my teammates.

“Which position I play in is really a decision for the head coach. But I am absolutely delighted to be here at this club, and wherever I’m asked to play on the pitch, I’ll go out and give my all to try to help the team.”

The 26-year-old is aware of Poyet’s determination to add to his squad this month and at least one new defender is in his thinking. His hand would be strengthened in the market if he could receive a cash boost from the sale of Jozy Altidore.

The American has attracted interest in France and Germany, but a switch back across the Atlantic is currently looking the strongest option. Major League Soccer side Toronto have confirmed their interest.

Toronto boss Greg Vanney said: “We’ll see what happens. We’ll throw our hat in the ring. He knows the league, he knows North American soccer. He has experience internationally and he’s a big, strong forward. I think he can score goals in this league.”

Altidore has scored just one Premier League goal since arriving from Alkmaar in the summer of 2013. New York Red Bulls, Portland Timbers and Wolfsburg are among those credited with an interest.

Sunderland Ladies, meanwhile, have appointed Melanie Reay as Carlton Fairweather’s assistant. Ahead of a first season in the Women’s Super League 1, Sunderland chairman Per-Magnus Andersson has also taken on the role of chairman.