Clubs in for top players

Last updated : 10 May 2003 By FootyMAD
McCarthy knows he has to ship-out many of the Black Cats big earners before he can bring in new faces for an assault on the first division title and an immediate return to the top flight.

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

"Those callers have just been sounding things out at this stage but it goes to show that there are people interested in them.

"I've tried to encourage clubs I've spoken to about players to get the business done as quickly as possible because otherwise we have to carry on paying the salaries for longer. And the longer they leave it the longer I can't bring anyone in."