SUNDERLAND could face competition from Scottish giants Rangers should manager Mick McCarthy decide to follow up his interest in Sheffield Wednesday defender Graeme Lee.

Northern Echo SPORT revealed on Tuesday that the Black Cats were 'the top First Division club' Owls boss Chris Turner claimed had made enquiries about Lee.

But Turner, who had the Middlesbrough-born player under his wing at Hartlepool, indicated he was determined to keep hold of a player who arrived at Hillsborough last summer on a free transfer.

McCarthy is on the look out for a new centre-back and he has also tried to sign Newcastle United's out-of-favour Steve Caldwell on loan.

Having been denied in his attempts to snap up Caldwell, he then turned his attentions to Lee.

And now it has emerged that Rangers boss Alex McLeish, who is trying to adopt a new policy of buying British talent, has started to send scouts to watch the Wednesday star in action.

McCarthy, who only had 17 fit professionals for last weekend's FA Cup win over Hartlepool, is continually assessing the transfer market in a bid to bolster his ranks.

And yesterday the Sunderland chief completed the three-month loan capture of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Kevin Cooper.

Cooper, whose last match will be at Crystal Palace on April 3, has been on trial at the Academy of Light since New Year's Day and now he has been handed a temporary deal.

The 28-year-old is excited by the move and is determined to make the most of his chance on Wearside.

"I'm delighted to have come to a club of this size," said Cooper. "I immediately got a feel for the place, I've watched Sunderland's progress this season, you tend to keep an eye on the bigger clubs.

"Sunderland have picked up at the end of the year and now seems a great time to be joining. I knew the Stadium of Light was fantastic because I've played here before."

Cooper joined Wolves in March 2002 and played a big part in the club's promotion to the Premiership last season.

The former Derby and Wimbledon man is available for this Saturday's League encounter with Nottingham Forest, but McCarthy may decide not to risk him without playing a reserves match.

The Sunderland boss is convinced Cooper will be beneficial to the club. McCarthy said: "Kevin is a really good footballer who can operate on the left side and that is a position we have been looking at for most of the season.

"He has a lot of experience and is comfortable on the ball and will be a great addition to our squad."

Bristol City have admitted their interest in Sunderland trialist Jamie Cureton.

Cureton is training with McCarthy's men until Friday after returning to England following an unsuccessful spell with Busan Icons in South Korea.

If the former Norwich man fails to earn a deal at Sunderland, though, City are standing by.

Ashton Gate boss Danny Wilson said: "I've spoken to Jamie's agent a couple of times. There are a lot of clubs chasing him and the fact that his club are demanding a fee might prove a problem for us."

Sunderland face two of Nottingham Forest's hottest talents on Saturday after transfers to Tottenham failed to materialse.

Spurs' bid of between £2.5m and £3m last week for midfielder Andy Reid was rejected and now Forest have dismissed reports suggesting Tottenham have bid £6m to try to sign both Reid and highly-rated centre-back Michael Dawson.