SAFC 10 YEARS ON: Keane's deal, Iuliano to sign?

MONDAY, AUGUST 28 2006ROY'S IN: Roy Keane has agreed a three-year deal to become the Black Cats' new manager.The Irishman was poised to sign a £2million-a-year contract after watching Sunderland's match against West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light.The former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain met the Sunderland players at the Academy of Light training ground yesterday.A club statement said: 'Keane and the club have agreed terms for him to be appointed as manager and it is envisaged that he will sign a formal contract immediately after Sunderland's game against West Brom.'Keane, 25, will take over as manager from chairman Niall Quinn, but he faces a busy first week in the job '“ he has until Thursday, when the transfer window shuts, to bring in new players.It is reported that Keane will have between £15million and £20million to spend on new players.Although Keane was expected to be in the crowd at today's visit to West Brom, there will be no public announcement and the Echo understands he will not be paraded on the pitch before kick-off.Sunderland have no game this weekend because of internationals, so Keane's first match in charge will be away to Derby County on Saturday week.Keane's name has been linked to Sunderland since the Drumaville consortium took over the club at the end of June. ROY KEEN TO MAKE HIS MARK: Italian defender Mark Iuliano could become Roy Keane's first signing as Sunderland manager.Keane, who will sign up as the new Black Cats boss after today's game against West Brom at the Stadium of Light, met the team squad at the Academy of Light yesterday.And the Manchester United legend has no doubt already turned his attention towards improving that squad before this week's transfer deadline.He has been strongly linked with top class former Juventus defender Mark Iuliano, who Keane tusselled with several times in Champions League games.The 33-year-old centre-half is a free agent after parting company with Italian side Sampdoria this summer and, although the