MICK McCarthy's summer spending plans have been given a significant boost following Sunderland's announcement of a new six-year kit deal with Diadora.

The Italian manufacturers will produce Sunderland's new home and away kit as part of a deal worth "a seven-figure sum".

And, while the Black Cats are still hampered by a £36m debt, it is understood that a proportion of the new investment will be made available for squad strengthening.

It had been expected that McCarthy would be unable to pay a cash fee for any player following Sunderland's failure to bounce back into the Premiership at the first time of asking.

But, with the club's wage bill also having dropped considerably after the axing of Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, Joachim Bjorklund and Paul Thirlwell, the Black Cats boss will be granted more freedom to pursue his transfer targets.

Any signings will have to fit into Sunderland's new sustainable wage structure and McCarthy will still have to display a financial prudence relative to a second season outside the top-flight.

But the new kit deal has strengthened his hand in terms of attracting his leading targets to the Stadium of Light.

Stephen Elliott became the first youngster to sign on the dotted line when he completed his move from Manchester City this week, and 23-year-old centre-half Stephen Caldwell will make the short move from Tyneside at the start of next month.

McCarthy has still not given up hope of capturing Norwegian starlet Morten Gamst Pedersen, and this week's cash injection will help him match the £1.5m fee the Tromso striker is likely to command.

The former Republic of Ireland manager is keen to bring down the average age of his squad and, to this end, is unlikely to pursue a tentative interest in former Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison.

The Gateshead-born playmaker made 39 appearances for the Black Cats before leaving in controversial circumstances in August 2001.

The 33-year-old fell out with former boss Peter Reid after trying to re-negotiate his contract just 12 months into a four-year deal. Sources in Scotland have revealed that Hutchison is keen to return to Wearside and would take a considerable cut in his £35,000 a week wages to do so.

But Hutchison's age is against him and McCarthy is understood to have younger midfielders in his sights.

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