Reports in the North-East claim that the poor relationship between Sunderland and Kelvin Davis's agent Jonathan Barnett is behind the slow progress of the keeper's move to the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats and Barnett fell out last summer when negotiating a contract for striker Darren Byfield.

Barnett, currently embroiled in the Ashley Cole tapping-up controversy, was involved in the row with the Wearsiders after talks regarding a two-year deal for the Sunderland loanee Byfield broke down with both sides publicly questioning the conduct of the other.

The Black Cats are understood to have been less than keen to deal with Barnett again over the Davis deal.

Town chairman David Sheepshanks has also enjoyed a less than harmonious relationship with the controversial agent, particularly with regard to the moves which saw Kieron Dyer and Richard Wright leave the club.

Sunderland's wage structure also appears to be a big factor in Davis's apparent reluctance to join the Black Cats. Chairman Bob Murray is keen to avoid the mistakes his club has made in the past and is offering contracts based on smaller basic packages plus a larger than usual bonus scheme based on performances and appearances.

Davis said yesterday he has not turned down the move as yet and that talks are continuing.

Out-of-contract Town midfielder Tommy Miller is also a Sunderland target but is represented by the PFA and his father Tommy senior, having had a bad experience with an agent during his time at Hartlepool.

Miller will make a decision on where his future lies after he returns from his honeymoon on June 21st. Leeds, Crystal Palace and Celtic have all been linked, while the 26-year-old is not ruling out signing Town's offer of a new two-year deal.

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