Black Cats chase Goater

SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy is reported to be lining up a move for Manchester City striker Shaun Goater as he prepares for life in Division One.

A number of players are expected to leave The Stadium of Light in the summer in the wake of their relegation and McCarthy has the task of rebuilding the side.

Goater is set to leave Manchester City in the summer after being placed on the transfer list, and McCarthy is thought to want to bring him to Wearside.

The Bermuda-born striker is unsure where his future lies and will leave it to City and interested clubs to sort out a deal.

"As for what happens, I don't know," said Goater.

"There are bound to be a few clubs interested but it will depend on what City are looking for in terms of fee and, because I am under contract, they will have to go through them first.

"It would be nice to get something sorted out before the summer, but I think that is unlikely as I don't think any approaches can be made until after the FA Cup final. All I can say is watch this space."

McCarthy will have to offload a number of stars to fund his own transfer plans and he admitted that he has had a few enquiries for his top players.

"I've had a few calls about players - the ones you would expect, the so-called top players - so there is interest in them and I know that those players want to play in The Premier League," said McCarthy.

"Clubs have just been sounding things out, but it goes to show that people are interested in them.

"I've tried to encourage clubs to get the business done as quickly as possible and we incorporate all that within the deal, because otherwise we have to carry on paying the salaries for longer.

"And the longer that nobody leaves, the longer I can't bring anyone in, so if we can get deals done as early as possible, then I can start signing new players."

One player who Sunderland have been linked with is Senegal defender Ferdinand Coly.

Coly is on loan at Birmingham from Lens, but is set to return to France in the summer.

The right back is available on a free transfer and McCarthy admitted he is a player he has watched.

"I've watched Birmingham reserves two or three times and Coly has done well," added McCarthy.

"I like him, but you have to bear in mind we have got players like Matt Piper, Jason McAteer and Thomas Butler down that side.

"He impressed me, but that's as far as it goes - I am always looking at players."

Meanwhile, Clifford Byrne has been handed a free transfer at Sunderland.