Chairman David Sheepshanks is reported to be in talks with Sunderland chief Bob Murray regarding Kelvin Davis's proposed move to the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats are also targeting Town midfielder Tommy Miller and striker Darren Bent.
Davis still has a year left on his contract and will command a fee we understand to be in the region of £700,000. However, the 2003 deal which saw the keeper join the Blues on a free transfer included a clause which will net former club Wimbledon, now the MK Dons, 50% of the fee.
Out-of-contract Tommy Miller, who has been offered another two years at Town, is already in talks with Sunderland about his Bosman free transfer. The former Hartlepool man is keen to have his future settled by the time of his wedding a week on Saturday.
Boss Joe Royle is philosophical about potentially losing several members of his squad: "Basically, this is a consequence of us not being promoted and if we are going to do business we would rather do it quickly.
"That way, we have a chance to do something ourselves with regard to bringing in replacements. We don't want things to linger all summer and then miss out on players who interest us."
While Davis and Miller look set to become Sunderland players, Mick McCarthy may lose out on Darren Bent. The Black Cats and Charlton are thought to be the two clubs who have enquired about the England U21 international with the Londoners, who had a £3 million bid turned down last summer, appearing favourites to capture the 21-year-old.