Mick linked with move for Bantams defender

Mick McCarthy has been linked with a move for Bradford City defender Simon Francis.

Nottingham-born Francis, 19, is under contract to Bradford until 2006, but with the club in administration for the second time, the Bantams have confirmed they will listen to "reasonable" offers for any of their squad.

But the Sheffield Star newspaper reckons that McCarthy will have to do battle with Blades manager Neil Warnock to secure the player's signature. Warnock has already beaten McCarthy to the signature of another Bradford player, Andy Gray - Mick withdrew from bidding, refusing to 'up the ante' for a player who would be available for free this summer.

The newspaper reports tonight that Warnock has already made a bid for Francis, but Sunderland are said to have registered their interest yesterday.

Francis is a former England U18 international who signed for Bradford in November 2002 as a trainee. He's made 56 appearances for his club, 30 of those this season.