Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has for the first time admitted his interest in Shaun Goater.

The 33-year-old Manchester City striker has been the subject of rumours all summer linking him with a move to McCarthy's Black Cats.

But until yesterday the boss had maintained his silence.

"I have met Shaun and he's a great lad," said McCarthy. "We'll need someone like Shaun, someone who will get us plenty of goals in the First Division."

The Wearsiders were relegated from the Premiership last season and need to bounce back at the first attempt if they are to stem a cash crisis at the club.

Many of the club's star men, such as England striker Kevin Phillips, are up for sale as they try to offset the cost of the drop.

Goater (33) has been told he can leave Manchester City after five years and is seeking a move to an ambitious First Division club.

Any deal, however, will be dependant on players quitting the Stadium of Light so McCarthy can afford the men he wants for the upcoming campaign.

City have told potential buyers that they must pay around ?1-million for Goater but as no one has stumped up the cash since he became surplus to requirements there is a strong belief that his long service to the Blues might be recognised in the form of a free transfer.

That would be beneficial to all parties - City, the player and his new employer. City would be able to reduce their wage bill, Goater would find it easier to sort out his future and his new club would be able to offer the kind of package - in the form of signing on fee, wages and bonuses - that he has been used to.

As well as Phillips, Sunderland also have frontmen in the shape of Tore Andre Flo, Lilian Laslandes, Kevin Kyle, Marcus Stewart and Michael Proctor.

A pragmatic McCarthy said: "There will be no one new coming in while I've still got all of them.

"If they are all still here come the start of the season then we have to get goals out of them.

"But if the wheels were put in motion, and we end up with the chance to bring someone in, then someone like Shaun - a player with pace, a proven goalscorer at this level and an enthusiastic person - that's the kind of player who would appeal to me."