Keane says squad will be boosted

Sunderland are hoping to sign "four or five" new players over the next week, according to manager Roy Keane.

The Premier League newcomers have so far had a quiet summer in the transfer market, bringing in only defenders Greg Halford and Russell Anderson.

The Wearsiders are closing in on Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird, after Southampton accepted a £3million offer, but a deal is yet to be concluded.

Keane said: "I never get frustrated. I'm more than happy with the players I've got and we have to strengthen over the next week or two. The Premier League does test the strength of your squad.

"We are negotiating with a few clubs about different players. We've got a few fees agreed with a few clubs but until the players sign on the dotted line, you don't know.

"But I'm hopeful in the next week or so we'll have four or five players and that would do me then. I'd be more than happy with the squad I've got then going into the season."

Keane is known to be in the market for a new striker but last week pulled out of a potential deal for Preston's England international David Nugent.

Portsmouth are now thought to be the frontrunners for Nugent's signature after Keane felt he could not wait any longer for a move to be agreed.

He said: "I don't think it was a major saga. We agreed a fee with Preston at the end of the season and then David was away with the under-21s.

"I met with David after the tournament and enjoyed his company. We had a chat and I don't think it could have gone any better.

"But, not through David, the deal was maybe dragging its heels a little bit and I have to do what is best for the club. I felt we needed to go in a different direction."