SUNDERLAND boss Peter Reid is stepping up his interest in Rangers winger Neil McCann.

Reid is ready to tempt the Glasgow giants with a £2m offer for the speedy Scottish international.

Sunderland's service from the flanks has been lacking since the 1998-99 First Division championship-winning season when Nicky Summerbee and Allan Johnston supplied the ammunition for prolific strike pair Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn.

Summerbee and Johnston moved on and Reid is now keen to restore some wing wizardry to his side's game.

As reported in Northern Echo Sport a fortnight ago, 13-times-capped McCann has been identified as the answer.

The 27-year-old, who moved to Ibrox from Hearts for £1.6m three-and-a-half years ago, has found his first-team chances increasingly limited and manager Alex McLeish is prepared to cash in.

McCann, also being eyed by Southampton boss Gordon Strachan, has scored 24 times in 88 starts for Rangers.

The highlight of McCann's Ibrox career was three years ago when he grabbed a brace as Rangers clinched the Scottish title at Parkhead against Old Firm rivals Celtic.

And with four seasons of European experience, McCann may need to be reassured by Reid that Sunderland can mount a serious challenge for a UEFA Cup spot before he considers a switch south of the border.

Reid is under pressure from fans to make a major signing.

The Bosman-transfer arrival of Republic of Ireland defender Phil Babb from Sporting Lisbon and this week's capture of free agent Sean Thornton - Sunderland face paying compensation to Second Division Tranmere for the 19-year-old midfielder - are so far the only additions to Reid's ranks this summer.

The Black Cats' boss is planning more talks with Robbie Keane's advisors, a week after the Leeds striker turned down the opportunity to talk to Sunderland.

The clubs had agreed a fee of around £8m, but Keane insisted he wanted to remain at Elland Road and fight for his place under whoever succeeded the sacked David O'Leary as manager.

Terry Venables is the man - he makes his official entrance today - and Sunderland may feel the time is right to make a fresh bid for Keane.

But former Middlesbrough head coach Venables could decide he wants to hold on to the ex-Wolves man following his superb form for the Republic of Ireland at the World Cup.

If he ultimately fails to lure Keane, Reid is likely to turn his attention to Derby County's £7m-rated striker Malcolm Christie.

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