SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy has been thwarted in an attempt to bolster his defensive ranks.

Former Roker Park goalkeeper Chris Turner, now in charge of Sheffield Wednesday, revealed "a top First Division club" had enquired about defender Graeme Lee.

And Northern Echo SPORT understands that the interest in the the former Hartlepool United defender came from McCarthy.

Lee left Pool for Hillsborough on a free transfer last summer, following the path tread by Turner in November 2002, and has been a big success in South Yorkshire.

The commanding defender was named in last season's Division Three PFA team of the season and Turner said: "Graeme Lee is the only player I've had any enquiries about - I did have a top First Division club asking after him last week.

"I believe he's been our most consistent player this season. If we start letting go what I believe to be our future, then it would be time to close the shop."

McCarthy, however, has had some joy in the transfer market with the news that Kevin Cooper should complete his proposed three-month loan switch from Wolves later this week.

The winger has only been on trial on Wearside since January 1 but has already impressed McCarthy. Cooper, who can play on either flank, has been drafted in by McCarthy with a view to solving his problem on the left of midfield.

Having lost Stewart Downing to Middlesbrough - after his loan spell was cut short last month - Julio Arca has done well in that role but he prefers playing left-back.

McCarthy is keen to bring in a fresh face to compete for a place in that position and Cooper fits the bill.

The 28-year-old has only played once in the Premiership for Wolves this season and has been deemed surplus to requirements at Molineux by manager Dave Jones - a friend of McCarthy.

And the Sunderland boss admits that Cooper's attitude has already won him over and he hinted a three-month deal could be on the cards. "Kevin has good feet and he can play both sides, which is good for balance," said McCarthy.

"He showed great enthusiasm by coming to train at the back end of last week because he didn't have to be here until Monday."

McCarthy is still on the look out for a new striker.

He has taken ex-Reading striker Jamie Cureton on trial this week and Bristol City have emerged as rivals for the player's signature.

Cureton, who once played for City's arch-rivals Rovers, started the campaign with South Korean outfit Busan Icons.

But the 28-year-old became disillusioned with life away in the Far East and he has set his sights on completing a move back to Britain.

Cureton's future could lie in the hands of Icons, though, because they are understood to be wanting a fee, believed to be around £150,000, in compensation.

The striker, who started his career at Norwich, admitted: "I wasn't happy in Korea and wanted to come back.

"At the time I was a Bosman free and did not want to be out of work for too long with football as it is, so the challenge of Korea appealed.

"Within the first month I realised I was not getting what I wanted out of football, with the language barrier to overcome and the fact the build up to games was so low-key. The crowds were small and there wasn't the same buzz you get over here.

"Busan could see I was getting depressed and were OK about me going. But they effectively said that because they splashed out on me in the first place and fixed me up with a house, they are looking for a compensation package.

"I just want to commit my future somewhere, settle down and give it a really good shot."

Meanwhile, Sunderland's injury-hit squad have withdrawn from the Durham Challenge Cup.

Read more about Sunderland here.