SUNDERLAND'S chances of holding on to prized winger John Oster have been given a massive boost by West Ham's failure to win promotion to the Premiership, writes Scott Wilson.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy has held initial talks with Oster, whose contract at the Stadium of Light came to an end following Sunderland's play-off semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace.

McCarthy is keen to retain the services of the Wales international after he turned in a series of impressive displays in the second half of last season.

But West Ham were also hot on his trail prior to Saturday's play-off final, with Hammers boss Alan Pardew set to offer the 25-year-old a considerable increase on the terms of his previous Sunderland deal.

That offer is dead in the water now though after West Ham's Premiership dreams were shattered by Neil Shipperley's 62nd-minute winner for Palace.

Instead of looking to sign new players such as Oster, Pardew is now resigned to having to offload some of West Ham's biggest earners in an attempt to ease the club's £33m debt.

Any new signings will have to be put on hold until the Hammers have addressed the future of highly-paid internationals such as Michael Carrick, Thomas Repka and Don Hutchison.

Oster's future should be secured by then, with the winger hinting he is happy to stay at the Stadium of Light if Sunderland can meet his wage demands.

Discussions are set to continue this week, with McCarthy also hoping to sign the five other out-of-contract players offered new terms.

Tommy Smith, Darren Byfield, Jeff Whitley, Richie Ryan and Neil Teggart are all mulling over their futures following an initial chat with the former Republic of Ireland boss.

McCarthy is also monitoring Carl Robinson's position at Portsmouth, although much will depend on whether or not the south coast club are holding out for a cash offer for the 27-year-old midfielder.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted West Brom are set to have a £1m bid for Argentinian full-back Julio Arca rebuffed by the Sunderland board.

The Baggies have identified Arca's versatility as a key asset in their attempts to build a squad capable of surviving in the top-flight.

Boss Gary Megson is ready to test the water by offering a seven-figure sum, but Sunderland officials are adamant that Arca will not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

The 23-year-old is entering the final year of his current deal and the Black Cats are aware that Premiership interest could make it difficult to hold on to one of their most prized assets.

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