JULIO ARCA has backed Mick McCarthy to make the right moves in the transfer market this summer after the Sunderland boss was linked with Reading's Steve Sidwell.

Sidwell, formerly of Arsenal, is regarded as one of the best midfielders outside the Premiership and, at 22, he fits the criteria that McCarthy is looking to add to his squad.

Champions League new-boys Everton are preparing a £1.5m bid so Sunderland would have to act quickly if Sidwell was to become a serious target.

Apparent Wearside interest in the Royals' middle-man came just a day after it emerged that the Czech Republic's towering striker Jan Koller has been approached by the Blacks Cats.

The pair are sure to be just two of a long list of names Sunderland are working on ahead of their return to the Premiership next season and Arca feels the manager will find the right men.

"The good thing is that with Mick in charge we have a great chance of doing well in that league," said Arca. "He knows what he wants in the transfer market and hopefully he will get it.

"He wants to take this club in the right direction and everyone, including the fans, believes in him and wants him to get it right."

Arca points to the way McCarthy turned round his own time in the North-East at the Stadium of Light after taking over a little over two years ago.

The left-sided midfielder, who can also play as a full-back, looked to be on his way out but has enjoyed a turnaround in fortunes and form under his current boss.

Arca, who signed a new two-year deal at the end of last year, said: "Mick changed my career and I will always be thankful to him for that. When he arrived, things were going badly for me. I was out of the team and I couldn't see a way back in.

"Thankfully, I persuaded him to give me a chance, he agreed and we have never looked back. Since he came, things have gone well for me, but I think I have been good for him too."

Arca, preparing for his fifth season with the club, insists leaving Sunderland was never something he really wanted to consider.

"I have never wanted to move away from Sunderland, but I did want to play in the Premiership. I knew this team was good enough to go up and win the league and I was right," he said.

* Sheffield United have signed Millwall winger Paul Ifill for an initial £800,000.

Ifill has signed a three-year deal with the Bramall Lane club and the fee could rise to £1m depending on appearances and the club's progress. New Lions chairman Jeff Burnige has made it clear he wishes to cut costs and Ifill's departure will aid his attempts to do that.

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