SUNDERLAND could lose out in their chase for Wimbledon striker David Connolly after Reading confirmed their interest in the Republic of Ireland international, writes Adam Murray.

Connolly and Manchester City's Shaun Goater top the list of strikers Mick McCarthy will look to bring in once Kevin Phillips leaves the Stadium of Light.

But Royals' chief executive Nigel Howe yesterday admitted the Berkshire side had made inquiries about taking Connolly to the Majedski Stadium.

"We have expressed an interest for David Connolly but have not made an offer," said Howe. "I understand a fee would be required and right now we are not at that stage."

The 26-year-old is well known to McCarthy from his time in charge of the Republic of Ireland, and his 24 goals for the Dons last season have made him one of the First Division's hottest properties.

Despite McCarthy's interest, Alan Pardew's side - beaten in the First Division play-offs last season - would appear to be in a better bargaining position than Sunderland after the Black Cats boss admitted recently his first priority would be to reduce Sunderland's crippling wage bill.

McCarthy even stated that he hoped his targets would not decide to move to other clubs before he gets the chance to convince them to join his Wearside revolution.

"My first priority is to move people out," said McCarthy, who knows most new signings will have to arrive on free deals, and Wimbledon will expect at least £500,000 for Connolly. "If people I might want to bring in have two or three offers on the table and one of them is from us, I would like to think they will wait for us."

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