SUNDERLAND defender Santiago Vergini has almost certainly played his last game for the Black Cats after joining Getafe on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old Argentinean international joined Sunderland in 2014 on loan before making the deal permanent, and made 51 appearances.

He was a regular starter under former head coach Gus Poyet but lost his place soon after Dick Advocaat arrived towards the end of last season, with the Dutchman preferring Sebastian Coates to the often error-prone Vergini.

Vergini was left out of Sunderland's tour of North America and reportedly left the Under-21's pre-season friendly at Consett this week shortly before kick-off in a taxi.