SUNDERLAND are leading the chase for former Burnley captain Steve Davis.

The centre half is believed to have been targeted by manager Mick McCarthy as the Black Cats chief looks to mount a swift return to the Premiership.

McCarthy has admitted he is keen to bring in experienced players in an effort to win promotion, spending as little money as possible with Sunderland harbouring debts of £26.5 million.

"I need people with experience, people with a bit about them who have perhaps done it before in their career and are looking for a new spark," said the former Republic of Ireland boss.

"I need to know their heart and sole is in it.

"You can't get out of the First Division with just kids so I need to have a blend and I need to have leaders."

Davis, who spent a total of nine years at Turf Moor in two spells, would certainly fit that bill having led the Clarets to promotion from the Second Division and two consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the First Division.

Being a free-agent also has its advantages for the 34-year-old after McCarthy was told he would have to sell before he can buy.

But he will be looking to recruit a defender in the not too distant future after offering free transfers to Emerson Thome and Phil Babb, while he expects 27-year-old central defender Jody Craddock to ask for a transfer, leaving McCarthy with a depleted rearguard.

McCarthy added: "I have had discussions about some of my players and I've dicsussions with managers about their players but no one has said we will give you this or that.

"At the moment we're just dancing around handbags and we haven't got to the chat-up line yet."

It had been rumoured Sunderland would face stiff competition for Davis' signature from First Division rivals Bradford City, following his release from Burnley at the end of the season.

But the Yorkshire outfit, who themselves released 11 players a couple of weeks ago, are looking to lower the age of the side and bring in Premiership reserve team players.

Bradford chairman Gordon Gibb said: "If budget players become available, we will take a punt at untried talent rather than bringing in well established professional on senior professional contracts."

Davis is also rumoured to be a target for Second Division side Blackpool.

Meanwhile, ex-Clarets midfielder Lee Briscoe could be on his way to Rotherham after holding talks with manager Ronnie Moore.

Teenager Mark Rasmussen, who broke into the first team towards the end of the campaign after twice being brought on as a substitute, has been targeted by Hartlepool United, who recently earned automatic promotion to the Second Division.