Keane eyes double swoop

Sunderland manager Roy Keane, seen here in 2006, hopes to complete the signings of Cork City striker Roy O'Donovan and another unnamed player this week.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane hopes to complete the signings of Cork City striker Roy O'Donovan and another unnamed player this week.

Keane has been frustrated in his attempts to sign several players since leading the Black Cats to promotion but believes he is about to beat Fulham to O'Donovan's signature - the London side have offered 300,000 pounds rising to 500,000.

The former Manchester United star has been unable to persuade Wigan defender Leighton Baines and Hearts' Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon to move to the Stadium of Light.

He also lost patience with England striker Nugent and told him not to bother signing with them from Preston after he took what Keane thought was too long to decide whether he would or not - Nugent eventually signed up with Portsmouth.

He is thought to have enquired about United's Alan Smith, but Newcastle are also interested in the England striker.

"We hope to have news on Roy and one other player in the next 24 to 48 hours," Keane told Sunderland's website.