SUNDERLAND are keeping their options open after talks with Kelvin Davis ended with the goalkeeper returning to Ipswich Town with his future up in the air.

Davis met with manager Mick McCarthy on Wednesday night after Ipswich accepted a fee, believed to be worth £1m, but contract negotiations have been far from perfect.

Now the former England Under-21 international is back in Suffolk contemplating his next step while Sunderland are weighing up other possible targets.

"I have been and spoken to Mick McCarthy but it's not cut and dried. I have signed nothing yet," said Davis last night.

But Sunderland - hoping to announce three new signings within the next ten days - are continuing to monitor other players and there are goalkeepers on the manager's list.

Southampton's Paul Smith has previously been touted for a move to the Stadium of Light and remains a strong possibility, while Thomas Myhre could yet stay on Wearside.

Myhre is out of contract this month and has held preliminary discussions with McCarthy over the prospect of a new contract, but there are no indications of whether or not terms can be reached.

A lot will depend on whether, and how quickly, the deal to take Davis to Sunderland can be sealed.

McCarthy is still working hard on trying to persuade Blackburn's Jon Stead to complete a £1.5m, rising to £1.8m, switch from Ewood Park.

And Wolves are also expecting an increased offer for Kenny Miller from Sunderland, after turning down a seven-figure sum earlier in the week, while Tommy Miller has put a decision on his future on hold.

One player set to be unveiled is young striker Daryl Murphy and he has been warned to bide his time in the Premiership.

When Murphy completes a £70,000 transfer from Waterford United he will swap the Eircom Irish League for the English top-flight in just one summer.

And Republic of Ireland Under-21s coach Don Givens, who has Murphy on international duty this week, said: "It will take Daryl more time to make his mark because he is likely to play less games at first.

"I know Mick and Ian Evans have watched Daryl on many occasions, and I have spoken to them about him in the past. It's going to take time for Daryl to adapt. He has the ability, but it is going to be very tough for him.

"With all due respect to Sunderland, they are not going to be favourites for many of their games. They are going to be under the cosh, so there are not going to be too many chances for the strikers.

"At least Daryl will have Stephen Elliott for company. He showed what can be achieved last season, albeit in the Championship, but I just hope he can repeat his success in the Premiership next season."

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