SUNDERLAND want to line up Derby's Malcolm Christie alongside Kevin Phillips in a bid to reignite the Stadium of Light.

The England under-21 star would cost around £5 million and wages would not be a problem.

Purse deal

ASTON VILLA will propose a swap deal that could send Lee Hendrie to Birmingham, with Darren Purse moving across town.

Graham Taylor is willing to offer extra cash to finalise the deal.

Toffees Kou

JASON Koumas will finally join Everton over the next fortnight, eighteen months after rejecting a move to Goodison Park.

The Tranmere and Wales midfielder recently rejected West Brom, and will be a snip for David Moyes at £3 million.

Iz too much?

MUZZY Izzet is concerned that his £6 million price tag is preventing him from leaving Division One new boys Leicester.

The Turkish star has set his sights on a move to Middlesbrough, but also interests former Filbert Street boss Martin O'Neill at Celtic.

Carr auction

STEPHEN Carr is wanted by Manchester United, and not just Arsenal as has been widely reported.

The Spurs right-back would be ideal for Sir Alex Ferguson who prefers Gary Neville in a central role, and United would be willing to outbid any offer from Arsenal.

Tig's target

JEAN Tigana wants to link ??? Nakata with his Japanese pal Junichi Inamoto at Fulham.

Nakata, who is currently with ???, is his country's biggest star, which could raise his fee.

Mac's back

STEVE McManaman's desire to link up at Leeds with best pal Robbie Fowler and his former England boss Terry Venables is set to be the transfer of the summer.

Macca wants a move back to England after recently getting married, and Real Madrid want just £5 million for a player that cost them nothing in 1999.