SAFC 10 YEARS AGO: Roy Keane to be next boss, Hysen signs

ROY TO BE TOP CAT: Roy Keane is expected to take charge at the Stadium of Light at the weekend.

The former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain is the man chairman Niall Quinn and his Drumaville consortium have earmarked as the “winner” they want to lead Sunderland back to the Premiership.

The club’s website today claimed no appointment had been made, but confirmed they were in talks with a “high-profile” individual.

If Keane, who was forced to retire from playing in the summer because of injuries, takes control at the Stadium of Light it will be his first managerial appointment.

Keane, who is on holiday in Portugal with his family, is unavailable to comment.

ROY’S THE BOY!: Roy Keane will make Sunderland into a mean machine, say Black Cats legends Gary Rowell and Gary Bennett.

Keane will not be confirmed as Sunderland’s new boss until tomorrow at the earliest as a final agreement has not yet been reached. But it is understood both sides want an agreement and, though 35-year-old Keane lacks managerial experience, Rowell and Bennett believe his famous iron will and desire to be a winner can help transform the ailing Wearsiders.

Former Manchester United coach and Blackburn boss Brian Kidd could join Keane as his number two.

HYSEN JOY AT CATS TRANSFER: Sunderland completed the signing of Swedish international midfielder Tobias Hysen in a £1.7m deal.

But Luxemburg centre-back Jeff Strasser will not be joining the Black Cats and looks set to sign for French side Strasbourg.

Swedish defender Per Nilsson, of Norwegian club Odd Grenland. is Sunderland’s main target in defence.

But chairman-manager Niall Quinn is delighted to have secured Hysen from Swedish champions Djurgarden on a three-year deal.

Sunderland beat off strong competition for the highly-rated 24-year-old, who is the son of former Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen.