TOMMY SMITH has been locked in talks with Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy over a move to the Stadium of Light.

Striker Smith is on the verge of a switch to Wearside after the Black Cats agreed a compensation package - believed to be £100,000 - with Watford.

McCarthy now hopes to tie the deal up for Smith, who has scored 36 goals for his club, in time for him to make his debut against Reading on Saturday.

The 24-year-old has been on trial at Sunderland for the past two weeks after turning down a new contract with the Hornets.

Despite being out of contract at Watford, Smith is not allowed to move on a Bosman free deal, which is why a compensation fee has had to be agreed between the two clubs.

Watford boss Ray Lewington was hoping to secure the services of one of his brightest talents, but Smith was determined to make a fresh start and he turned down a lucrative new deal in the summer at the club he has been with since starting as a trainee.

The Hemel-Hempstead-born front-man, who is a Newcastle fan, now just has to agree terms with Sunderland.

And a statement from Watford read: "Watford have reached an agreement with Sunderland - which includes an undisclosed fee - for the transfer of the registration of Tommy Smith, but the deal is subject to the player agreeing personal terms at the Stadium of Light."

Sunderland's move for Smith followed McCarthy's claim that no deals were 'imminent' for new blood.

The former Ireland boss has indicated he is on the look-out for new players to boost Sunderland's First Division promotion hopes.

Now, providing Smith signs, McCarthy is expected to scour the market for a replacement for left-midfielder Kevin Kilbane, who joined Everton this month.

Thomas Butler, Matty Piper and John Oster have all been earmarked as potential solutions to the problem.

However, all three are right-footed players and prefer to be played down the opposite side.

McCarthy has already tried Julio Arca in that role, but the Argentinian's below-par display in the 3-1 defeat at Stoke City last week was further proof that the South American is much happier at full-back.

Butler is the latest man to have been given the opportunity to stake his claim to fill Kilbane's boots.

But after the young Republic of Ireland winger's impressive display in the 1-1 draw at Derby on Saturday, he disappointed - along with a number of other Sunderland stars - in the 4-2 Carling Cup defeat to Third Division Huddersfield on Tuesday night.

"I'd like a natural left-footed player to give us balance on that side but Thomas Butler will do for me if he plays like he did at Derby," said McCarthy. "

Sunderland goalkeeper Mart Poom has been called up for Estonia's Euro 2004 qualifier in Belgium on October 11 and George McMcCartney is in Northern Ireland's squad for the trip to Greece on the same day.

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