DERBY County are set to make a formal approach to Darren Byfield despite Sunderland having already instigated transfer talks with the striker.

The Jamaica international held face-to-face discussions with Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy in the aftermath of Sunderland's play-off defeat to Crystal Palace last month.

But those talks have not progressed beyond the preliminary stage, and Derby boss George Burley is confident he can persuade Byfield to leave Wearside for Pride Park.

Byfield is currently out of contract after his previous short-term deal expired at the end of last season. The 27-year-old joined the Black Cats from Rotherham in February and scored five goals in his eight starts and nine substitute appearances.

But he failed to make McCarthy's 16-man squad for either of the crucial play-off games against Palace, with Tommy Smith preferred as the back-up to Kevin Kyle and Marcus Stewart on each occasion.

Smith is also locked in new contract talks with the Black Cats and, with 20-year-old striker Stephen Elliott having signed earlier this month, Byfield could yet find himself starting the season as Sunderland's fifth-choice striker.

That would not appeal to a player desperate to play a part in Jamaica's attempts to qualify for the next World Cup in Germany.

Derby finished last season just one point above the First Division relegation zone and Burley is desperate to sign a new striker to partner former Sheffield United frontman Paul Peschisolido.

Byfield would fit the bill perfectly and the Birmingham-born forward has declared his desire to join Derby in the past.

The Rams tried to sign Byfield before he moved to Sunderland, but Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore refused to let him join one of his club's relegation rivals.

Byfield still has friends and family in the Midlands and, while he has enjoyed his time in the North-East, the chance of playing first-team football close to his home could appeal.

The Rams are hardly awash with cash but, with Byfield relatively low on McCarthy's priority list, they should be able to match any offer put on the table by Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Premiership new-boys Norwich City are leading the chase to sign former Sunderland midfielder Paul Thirlwell.

The 25-year-old was one of four players released by McCarthy at the end of last season, despite being the club's longest-serving player behind Darren Williams.

West Ham and Cardiff have also expressed an interest in Thirlwell, but Norwich's top-flight status makes them favourites to secure his signature.

l Sunderland will complete their pre-season schedule at Third Division champions Doncaster Rovers.

The Black Cats will visit Belle Vue on August 1, six days before the start of the new Coca-Cola League season. McCarthy's side begin their preparations with a three-game tour of the United States before facing Barnsley on July 26 and Scunthorpe on July 29.