MICK McCarthy is confident he can bring boyhood Sunderland fan Tommy Miller back to the North-East.

And, despite having had a £250,000 bid for Leeds full-back Frazer Richardson turned down earlier this week, the Black Cats boss remains hopeful of completing a double transfer swoop within the next ten days.

Miller's representatives are expected to meet with Sunderland officials tomorrow to discuss his future. The Shotton Colliery-born midfielder is currently out of contract after spending four years with Ipswich Town.

The Suffolk side are keen to tie him down to a new deal but, after suffering a surprise play-off defeat to West Ham, their hands are tied financially.

Manager Joe Royle has been told he must operate to a vastly-reduced budget after missing out on the Premiership, and Miller will be asked to take a significant wage cut to stay at Portman Road.

That has alerted Sunderland to his possible availability and, with McCarthy having released Jeff Whitley at the end of last season, the former Republic of Ireland manager is desperate to bolster his resources in central areas.

Miller is widely acknowledged to be one of the best midfielders currently operating outside of the top-flight - his 15 goals last season would have made him Sunderland's third top-scorer - and, crucially, sources close to the player suggest he would jump at the chance of a return to his native North-East.

The 26-year-old began his career as a trainee at Hartlepool and made 160 appearances for the club before joining Ipswich in July 2001.

He recently put his East Anglian house up for sale - a clear signal of intent - and is keen to resolve his future before he departs on honeymoon following his wedding in the North-East next weekend.

Championship sides Leeds and Derby have also been in contact with Miller's representatives, while Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has previously spoken of his admiration.

But, given the midfielder's affinity with the region, McCarthy is bullish about his chances of luring him to the Stadium of Light.

The Sunderland boss is also expected to make a second bid for Richardson later this week after his initial approach was rebuffed by Leeds chairman Ken Bates.

With Mark Lynch having been transfer-listed at the end of the season, McCarthy sees Richardson as the perfect person to challenge Stephen Wright for Sunderland's right-back berth.

He is expected to table a second offer before the weekend as his transfer activity intensifies ahead of his own summer break.

l Sunderland AFC are to withdraw their financial contribution to the Sunderland Ladies team following the club's promotion to the Women's Premier League.

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