Steven Davis could be set for a sensational return to the Premier League.

The Northern Ireland international is being strongly linked with a £5million move to Sunderland from Rangers.

Davis has rediscovered his best form at Ibrox since his loan move from Fulham was made permanent last year but now new Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is chasing the Cullybackey man.

After winning the SPL title with the Gers last season, the 24-year-old could be enticed by a fresh challenge in England’s top flight.

Rangers chief Walter Smith will be keen to keep Davis, but a bid of around £5million might persuade him to allow the former Aston Villa star to leave.

Davis began his career at Villa Park before moving to Fulham for a fee in the region of £4million.

His Craven Cottage adventure wasn’t the happiest spell of his career but his list of admirers is growing and Black Cats boss Bruce is eager to bolster his midfield ahead of his debut campaign at the Stadium of Light.

Davis’ team-mate Barry Ferguson could also be offered another shot at the Premier League with Birmingham City.

Manager Alex McLeish is set to bid for the Scottish midfielder who is reportedly on his way out of Ibrox after being stripped of the captaincy at the club and being banned for life from playing for the national side after a late night drinking session whilst on international duty.

The former Scotland international has played in the Premier League before, having spent three years at Blackburn Rovers, a time which was blighted by injury, leading him to return to the Glasgow giants. Now, though, it seems he is set for a move back to England.

One man focused on staying with the Gers and hitting the headlines is striker Kris Boyd who has pleaded with Smith to give him a chance in the Champions

League next season, claiming he is now mature enough to play at the highest level.

Boyd has won every domestic trophy with Rangers, as well as netting more than 100 goals for the Ibrox club, but has never started a game in Europe's premier club competition.

“I'm the first to admit I had a lot of daftness about me early on in my career,” he said. “I was young and naive. I tended to follow other people and was influenced by them. But you have to grow up and realise what is right and wrong.”

He added: “I've done just about everything I wanted to do in my Rangers career. I have won the title, cups, scored 100 goals and played for Scotland.

“But I haven't started a game in the Champions League and next season I want to be part of it. I want to stamp my authority on that tournament.

“I feel I'm ready and believe I can play at that level. If I'm lining up at Ibrox with that Champions League music on it will confirm I've matured in to the player I need to be.”