SAFC 10 YEARS AGO: Keane close to deal, Kyle moves on

He is set to begin the job next Tuesday, though his appointment as Black Cats’ boss is likely to be confirmed with an announcement in the next 48 hours.

The Echo believes Keane has verbally accepted the job and returned from a family holiday in Portugal last night to wrap up talks with Sunderland.

Though he has been out of the country, negotiations have been ongoing between Sunderland and Keane’s advisors while he has been away.

Reports suggest that Keane could bag a £2million salary at the Stadium of Light, comfortably making him the best paid boss in the Championship.

Though he won’t take charge of the West Brom game, it is expected the 35-year-old former Manchester United midfielder will attend the game.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding Brian Kidd joining Keane as his assistant. Kidd has been out of football for two years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer but told friends at the weekend he was considering the offer of a new job.

Beginning the Keane era after Monday’s match makes sense. He will have had little time to work with the Sunderland squad before the game and little time to influence the shape of the team or performance.

There is no game on the weekend of Saturday, September 2, because of international fixtures, meaning Keane will have almost a fortnight on the Sunderland training pitch before the Wearsiders travel to Derby on September 9.

With the transfer window closing next Thursday, the Man United and Republic of Ireland legend may also have a chance to add new recruits to his squad.

KYLE MOVES TODAY: Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle was today due to sign for Coventry City and be unveiled at a press conference in the city.

The Scotland international is set to sign for an undisclosed fee and should be eligible for Coventry’s trip to Hull City tomorrow

The 6ft 3in forward has agreed a three-year deal after successfully passing a medical at the Rioch Arena and he becomes Micky Adams’ 12th signing of the summer.

The 25-year-old joined Sunderland as a trainee, making his debut against Everton in the 2002-03 campaign.

Since then, he has made 107 appearances for the North-East side and finished joint top scorer at the end of the 2003-04 campaign with 16 goals.

He had nine caps for Scotland, scoring one goal.