SUNDERLAND look poised to gazump Luton Town and pinch out-of-contract Gerry Harrison from Turf Moor.

The Burnley utility player is believed to be talking to the First Division side about a move to the Stadium of Light.

And, even apart from the financial considerations, joining a club as ambitious as Sunderland - desperate to reclaim a Premiership place - would seem to hold much more appeal than staying in the lower divisions with Luton.

If that happens, however, Burnley's Second Division rivals will still be bitterly disappointed.

And there will also be a sense of loss at Turf Moor if he goes.

Not only would Burnley lose an important playing asset, they would not receive a penny in compensation as Harrison's contract has been allowed to run out.

Several clubs are thought to be interested in the player who has done well in both defence and midfield for Burnley.

Luton thought they were in the driving seat.

But their chairman and managing director David Kohler is realistic enough to acknowledge that, when it comes to signing players these days, money talks and little else matters.

Mr Kohler confirmed his club would like to sign Harrison, who has had talks with manager Lennie Lawrence.

But he fears that Sunderland might well outbid them for his services. "Footballers are mercenaries and the sooner the fans understand that the better it will be for everyone," said Mr Kohler.

"In the main the present-day footballer will play for whoever pays him the most money.

"I thought we had a deal (with Harrison) but I also thought that about David Oldfield and he went to Stoke. We would like to sign Gerry Harrison and we have made him a proposal but we will also have to explore other avenues."

It does seem likely now that Harrison will be on his way sooner rather than later.

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