Sunderland's reported interest in wantaway City striker Leon McKenzie could gather momentum over the next 24 hours as the Black Cats finalise the sale of Kevin Kyle to Coventry.

Sunderland's reported interest in wantaway City striker Leon McKenzie could gather momentum over the next 24 hours as the Black Cats finalise the sale of Kevin Kyle to Coventry.

McKenzie's request for a transfer was initially rejected by the club last week, although City boss Nigel Worthington has admitted that he will let the former Peterborough striker go for the right price.

Coventry were the first to enquire about McKenzie's services - tabling two offers which were rejected out of hand, but they have now turned their attentions elsewhere with the £600,000 signing of Kyle.

Sunderland now need to strengthen their firing line and could be looking to McKenzie to lift them from the depths of the Coca-Cola Championship after losing their opening four games.

Sky Blues boss Mickey Adams has been linked with a move for the 25-year-old Kyle since the summer and the Scot was at the Ricoh Arena on Tuesday for a medical and to discuss terms.

He has only featured twice as a substitute for struggling Sunderland this season, including during their 2-1 opening defeat at the Ricoh.

His progress has been badly hampered in recent seasons by injuries, but after regaining full fitness he now finds himself surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light and admitted earlier this week he was likely to move before the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Sunderland duo Andy Welsh and Neill Collins, both 22, have pledged their future to the club by signing new three-year deals.

The players' deals were due to expire next summer, but they are now see the duo tied until 2009.

Sunderland refused to confirm reports last night that Manchester United legend Roy Keane is poised to become their new manager.