SUNDERLAND'S forgotten man Nicolas Medina will be handed one last chance to prove he can make a name for himself on Wearside.

The young South American has only made one appearance for the Black Cats since Peter Reid paid £3.5m for him in 2001.

And, after Mick McCarthy had taken over from Reid's successor Howard Wilkinson, Medina went on a year's loan to Spanish side Leganes last August.

But, with two years still to run on his existing deal, the midfielder is due to return for pre-season training with the rest of the Sunderland squad in early July.

Now McCarthy is willing to give the Argentine an opportunity to prove he can become a hit on the English stage - nearly three years after his much-publicised arrival.

Before leaving for Spain last season, Medina had cost Sunderland nearly £40,000 a minute, but now there is every chance he could play a part in the newly named Coca-Cola League Championship in August.

The 22-year-old is gearing himself for a make or break first few weeks back in the North-East next month when McCarthy will weigh up whether the loan stint in Spain has developed his game.

While playing for Leganes, Medina's displays were good enough for him to earn regular call-ups for the Argentina Under-23 squad, as they attempted to qualify for the Olympics.

International honours are certainly nothing new to the player, who has represented his country at every age level from Under-17 upwards.

There had been a suggestion that a permanent £2.5m move to Leganes was on the cards for Medina this summer, but it is understood they could not agree on a fee.

And now, if he can prove his fitness and worth, he could still team up with fellow Argentinean Julio Arca at Sunderland next season.

Medina's only appearance for the Black Cats came in an FA Cup third-round replay with Bolton two seasons ago.

Last summer, before moving to Leganes, he had impressed the McCarthy regime while playing in friendlies.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have revealed their new strip for next season.

The latest kit, manufactured by Diadora, can be pre-ordered ahead of the August 7 release date.

Those supporters - and there is also a specially-designed female version - who do order in advance will receive a free mini-kit.

The new kit can be ordered by mail order by ringing 0191 5515030, by post by gaining forms from Sunderland retail stores at the Stadium of Light, Savacentre, The Galleries, Washington and the Stadium Ticket Office, or supporters can place their orders 24 hours a day via the club's official website, www.safc.com

Sunderland's marketing director, Jim Slater, said: "The kit looks fantastic and we are really encouraged by the feedback we have received so far from supporters.

"A lot of fans have commented how they like the simple, uncluttered design of the kit."

* Leeds transfer target Barry Hayles admits he has held talks with the Yorkshire club but plans to take his time before deciding which club to join.

The Fulham striker is out of contract and Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell is keen to bring him to Elland Road. Blackwell needs strikers following the £7m sale of Alan Smith to Manchester United and the imminent departure of top wage earner Mark Viduka.

Hayles, 32, who has scored 57 goals in 143 starts for Fulham, said: ''I have spoken to Leeds but it's early stages."

Blackwell, who signed Danny Pugh as part of the Smith deal, has already lined up several players to arrive at Leeds on July 1.

Centre-half Clarke Carlisle will sign a two year contract at the club next month, while two other players available on free transfers, Coventry's Julian Joachim and Wolves' ex-Sunderland defender Paul Butler, are due at Thorp Arch for a medical next week. If the medicals are successful they too will be signing next month.

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