SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid is casting a worldwide net for new players - but he has also acted quickly to tie down two of his young stars.

Goalkeeper Michael Ingham and defender George McCartney, who were called up by Northern Ireland for last week's friendly against Poland in Cyprus, have both agreed to sign extended contracts until the summer of 2005.

McCartney, 20, can play at left back or in the centre of defence and has been a regular member of the first team squad this season, making ten Premiership appearances, while he has been capped three times by Northern ireland after scoring on his senior international debut against Iceland last September.

Ingham, 21, made his senior debut for Sunderland in the Worthington Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday in September, and is currently third choice keeper behind Thomas Sorensen and Jurgen Macho.

Reid said: "Having nurtured young talent clubs then have to make sure they don't lose that talent.

"I'm delighted that George and Michael have agreed these new contracts, which shows our commitment to them as well as theirs to us.

"They are good, young players with their best years ahead of them, both in club football and in international football."

He added: "I'm always looking to strengthen the squad by bringing players in from other clubs, but it's just as important that you take care of the people you have already got and who, potentially, have big roles to play in the long-term future of Sunderland Football club."

Meanwhile, as Reid and his first team coach Adrian Heath watched possible transfer targets in competitive action in Argentina over the weekend, Sunderland were strongly linked with Swedish striker Markus Allback, who will be available this summer for a fee of around £2m.

The 28-year-old Heerenveen player, who has scored 12 goals in 20 games this season, has a release clause in his contract and other clubs, including Southampton and PSV, are aware of his impending availability.

But Sunderland, who already have Swedish players Stefan Schwarz and Joachim Bjorklund on the payroll, have made the most positive moves and Allback's agent, Vincenzo Morabito admitted: "I believe he will come to Sunderland."

He added: "It would be a suitable step forward in his career - he would get to play in the premier League, which is his dream, and go to a club where there are already some Swedish players."

Allback, who has scored five goals in 12 appearances for Sweden, said: "Sunderland are in the picture - it is an interesting club - but there are other good clubs who have also confirmed their interest."

Reid and Heath are due back on Wearside today to start preparations for next Sunday's big derby game against Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light.

* Rangers striker Tore Andre Flo has admitted he is aware Fulham are keen to bring him back to London.

The Norwegian became the Scottish game's most expensive player when he joined Rangers from Chelsea in a £12m move last season. But despite scoring 22 goals in 35 games this season his time in Glasgow has not widely been regarded as a success.

Read more about Sunderland AFC here.