Sunderland FC

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• Founded:1879
• Manager:Steve Bruce

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Keane: Cats close to deals

20 Aug 2008 - 11:13:36

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane expects to complete some new signings within the next 48 hours.

The Black Cats have been linked with a host of players in recent weeks, with reports suggesting West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand and Fulham striker David Healy are at the top of their shopping list.

Keane refused to confirm his targets but has suggested he is close to completing deals which will strengthen his squad.

He said: "There's been lots of speculation every day and we've been linked with hundreds of players, but I don't think we'll be signing all of them.

"We've made good progress over the last day or two and I hope we have some news over the next 48 hours.

"If players want to come and we can take them to another level, fantastic, but if they want to stay at the clubs they're at, good luck to them, it's not a major problem."

Meanwhile, Keane has suggested he would be willing to listen to offers for some fringe members of his squad after reports linked Cats midfielder Dickson Etuhu with Fulham in exchange for Northern Ireland striker Healy.

"I'm not really looking to let any players go, but if an offer comes in for one or two of my players, like every other manager I've got to balance the books," he continued.

"I've brought lots of players in and if I feel there's an offer that we think is a good offer then I'd consider it."