SUNDERLAND'S efforts to land Darren Carter look to have been in vain after West Bromwich Albion had a £1.5m bid accepted last night.

The Black Cats had been hoping to land the Birmingham City midfielder on loan until the end of next season but were unwilling to match the valuation of the player.

That has allowed West Brom boss Bryan Robson to move for the 21-year-old when he was prepared to fork out the cash in an attempt to strengthen the Baggies squad.

Carter is thought to be keen on a switch to the Hawthorns as he would not have to move house, although he will be taking time to consider his future during the final few days of his summer holiday.

"Bryan Robson has highlighted Darren as one of the players he wants to bring to the club," said West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace.

"Our offer has been accepted by Blues and we will begin talks with Darren now that he has returned from holiday."

The need for McCarthy to add Carter to his playing staff became less urgent when he completed the signing of Tommy Miller from Ipswich on Wednesday for nothing.

It is thought West Brom will have to pay a further £250,000 for Carter - who impressed during a short loan spell on Wearside last season - if he makes a certain number of appearances and if they stay up.

McCarthy is understood to be more keen on paying for an experienced player who has plenty of Premiership or top level experience.

Sunderland start their first campaign back in the top-flight with a home game against Charlton on August 13.

Skipper Gary Breen is using the Addicks as a benchmark.

Alan Curbishley has transformed Charlton from relegation fodder into serious UEFA Cup hopefuls over the past six years and Breen would like to see the Black Cats go about their work in a similar manner.

"Charlton are a strong side and we're looking to consolidate our Premiership position just like they have in recent years," said Breen.

"We're really looking forward to the start of the season and, of course, it's great for us and our supporters to have a home game to start the campaign with."

A week later Sunderland know they are back among the best when they travel to Merseyside to play European champions Liverpool.

But Breen said: "It's important not to look too far ahead, every game is going to be a big game so we have to take it one step at a time.

"Playing Liverpool in what will be their first game at Anfield since winning the European Cup will be special.

"It'll be very tough but that's the kind of game every footballer wants to be playing in where you can pit your wits against the very best."

Meanwhile, Jeff Whitley has completed a move to Cardiff City after being released by Sunderland.

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