Sunderland target Liam Lawrence is in no rush to finalise where he will be playing his football next season.

The Mansfield winger yesterday rejected the chance of a move to Crewe, having set his sights far higher.

Lawrence is believed to be waiting for Mick McCarthy, amongst others, to firm up their interest in the talented wide man.

McCarthy is keen to make the Stags star his fourth signing of the summer with striker Stephen Elliott, and midfielders Carl Robinson and Dean Whitehead having already agreed deals at the Stadium of Light.

Lawrence rejected a move to Gresty Road and Crewe boss Dario Gradi said: "He would have improved our team, but we can't compete when the bigger clubs come in with bigger offers.''

Rotherham were interested in taking Lawrence to Millmoor in January, but Mansfield rejected their bid which was around half of their £250,000 valuation.

McCarthy is also keeping tabs on Portugal's Under-20 midfielder Eliseu, while he is in the country as part of BBC's commentary team.

The Sunderland boss is desperate to stengthen further in midfield after telling Jason McAteer and Paul Thirlwell that they do not figure in his future plans.

Meanwhile, Tromso's in-demand attacking midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, who has interested Sunderland and Newcastle, has revealed that he is happy to continue his career in Norway.

The Norwegian international was the subject of a recent offer from Blackburn, but said: "My situation is unchanged from a week ago. Blackburn made an offer and Tromso said no.

"I've got no problems with that. I'm not angry with the decision, rather the opposite.

"It's really fun to play here and I feel that I'm still developing. The most important for me is to become a good footballer.

"I've got a dream of playing abroad, but I'm in no rush to realise that dream."

l Central defender Andy O'Brien has signed an improved contract at Newcastle United. The Republic of Ireland international has been rewarded with a better deal which will put him in touch with some of the big earners at St James' Park.

O'Brien, who turns 25 later this month, remains under contract until 2007, but with improved terms.

A United spokesman said: "We told Andy and his agent John Smith to show us he was worthy of a new deal and that's exactly what he has done.

"He had an excellent season for us and we are delighted to reward him with an improved contract."

O'Brien made 42 appearances for the Magpies last season, scoring once, and edging out Titus Bramble in the first-choice centre-back pairing alongside Jonathan Woodgate.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth have pulled out of the deal for Lomana Lualua after valuing the striker at half the £2m Newcastle want.