Sunderland's search for a striker goes on following David Connolly's decision to sign for Leicester City last night.

Black Cats' boss Mick McCarthy will renew his efforts to strengthen his forward department when he returns from the club's American tour on Friday.

He was told of the 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international's decision whilst in North Carolina preparing for tonight's friendly against Wilmington Hammerheads.

The striker signed a three-year deal at the Walkers Stadium a week after completing his medical in the East Midlands.

It was whilst Connolly was undergoing his medical that he was informed of the Wearsiders interest, and the former West Ham and Wimbledon player weighed up all his options before committing his future to Micky Adams' side.

''We made David a good offer,'' McCarthy said. ''I very much appreciate the efforts made by the board to bring him to the club - they backed me 100 per cent on this.

''However, he has decided to join Leicester and we'll move on now and set our sights elsewhere.''

Connolly would have been Sunderland's seventh summer signing, but that honour is now expected to fall on Stephen Crainey.

Talks are at an advanced stage with the Southampton defender but a deal is not expected to be completed before next week.

Sunderland appear keen to take the Glasgow-born 23-year-old on an initial three-month loan deal with a view to a more permanent deal.

* Leicester boss Adams secured his second new signing yesterday when Arsenal defender Martin Keown moved to the Midlands.

Adams has won the race for the veteran 37-year-old central defender's signature after the former England international was released by Arsenal after 11 illustrious seasons.

* Darren Byfield has completed a move to Gillingham after being released by Sunderland last month.