Keane to continue recruitment drive

Sunderland manager Roy Keane will turn his attention to closing deals for Steed Malbranque and Younes Kaboul after bringing El-Hadji Diouf to Sunderland.

Keane continued his summer spending spree last night by completing the signing of Bolton forward Diouf for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around €4 million.

And now he will bid to add midfielder Malbranque and defender Kaboul to his squad, which also includes Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda, David Meyler and Nick Colgan - as well as Diouf.

While there has been little development on a deal for Malbranque, a move for Kaboul seems likely after Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp - who was also interested in signing the Morocco-born Frenchman - admitted the Black Cats were the favourites to land the player.

Diouf, the 27-year Senegal international, agreed a four-year deal with the Black Cats yesterday after spending four seasons at the Reebok Stadium.

Keane was eager to bolster his attacking options ahead of the start of the Premier League season, with Kenwyne Jones out of action due to a knee injury.

The versatile Diouf, who is able to play on the wing or as a deep lying forward, has been a controversial character during his time in English football.

The most high-profile incident was when he spat at a Celtic fan in a UEFA Cup tie while at Liverpool.

But despite his past, Keane has no qualms about signing a player he believes other clubs "love to hate" if he can improve the quality in his squad.

"El-Hadji is a great signing for us and we're thrilled to get him," Keane said. "He has bags of Premier League and international experience, which is exactly what we have been targeting this summer.

"El-Hadji has always been the kind of player opposition teams and supporters love to hate, a thorn in the side, and that's why we're delighted to now have him in our squad.

"Our coach, Ricky Sbragia, has also worked very closely with him and speaks extremely highly of him, so we're looking forward to working with El-Hadji, I think he's a signing that will excite our supporters."

Meanwhile, Keane has urged goalkeeper Marton Fulop to agree terms with Stoke in the next 24 hours or return to Sunderland.

Stoke have settled on a fee in the region of €4.5million with Sunderland for Fulop, but have yet to agree personal terms.

"Marton is struggling to agree personal terms," Keane told the Sunderland Echo. "If that isn't sorted out within 24 hours, then he is still a Sunderland player and I will expect him back in training.

"It's up to Marton to get the best deal he can, but if he can't then he will be back here and I will welcome him back because he's got a chance of being a top goalkeeper."