SUNDERLAND new-boy Phil Babb insists manager Peter Reid can still attract the big-name players to Wearside.

Irishman Babb, who signed on a free transfer from Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon this summer, has joined fellow countrymen Niall Quinn, Kevin Kilbane and Jason McAteer at the club.

But the 31-year-old insists that it was the manager's persuasive powers that convinced him Sunderland was the move for him.

And defender Babb believes that Reid - who has been tracking a host of other targets this summer including Leeds striker Robbie Keane - will be able to lure more players to the Stadium of Light.

"I knew the Irish lads and I've known Quinny for many years but I think it was Peter who influenced me more," said Babb, who travels with the rest of the squad to France tomorrow for a training camp in Le Touquet.

"If you get the opportunity to play at a great stadium and a great club then that's always paramount in a decision.

"I only knew Peter through players' lounges and places like that and I had met him vaguely.

"But I met him down in London while he was doing his TV work for the World Cup and we had a good meeting.

"He is a passionate man and he wants to do well this season.

"His enthusiasm was an important factor because when your manager wants to succeed then it's easy to work for him."

Babb's arrival at Sunderland means there will be a huge battle for a place at the heart of the defence.

The ex-Liverpool man is one of six players - Joachim Bjorklund, Jody Craddock, Ben Clark, Emerson Thome and Stanislav Varga - vying for the two centre-back slots.

And Brazilian Thome, who missed a large part of last season with a serious knee injury, is convinced the competition will be a huge boost to Sunderland.

But the 30-year-old also indicated Reid should now concentrate on bolstering the ranks in other departments of the pitch.

He said: "It is going to be a very ferocious battle to get in the side and that's what I expect to happen for all positions.

"I think the most important thing is to have a balance and I'm sure Sunderland will have a good balance at the back.

"That is the way to go and we have six defenders now and that is a great achievement for the club.

"If the gaffer thinks he wants to improve he knows what he has to do and perhaps now he will be looking to add in other positions because he has the quality at the back."

Like Thome, Sunderland winger Julio Arca has also overcame serious injury and is focusing on making up for lost time when the new campaign kicks-off in August.

The 21-year-old, missed most of last season's battle against relegation with a groin problem, and is desperate to return to action.

He said: "It was frustrating for me because I missed so many games through injury.

"I have done some training in Argentina over the summer and am feeling fit. There is no problem with my old injury.

"Last season was not so good for me and not so good for the club and I'm hoping to find the form I showed in my first season at Sunderland.

"I like being here and am looking forward to what I'm hoping will be a successful season."

Meanwhile, Tranmere have launched an official complaint over Sunderland's move for midfielder Sean Thornton.

The 19-year-old completed his switch to the Stadium of Light earlier this week.

But Tranmere insist that Sunderland acted improperly over the free capture of Thornton, who was out of contract at Prenton Park.

The Birkenhead outfit are prepared to let a tribunal rule on how much Sunderland should pay for a player they never wanted to lose.

''If Sunderland want Sean Thornton, they will have to pay compensation and if necessary, we will let a tribunal decide as we have a very strong case," said club secretary Mick Horton.

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