City Ponder Move for keane

Premiership crisis club Manchester City have at last settled on a new managerial appointment. It is understood that disaffected Sunderland manager Roy Keane has been targeted by the Eastlands outfit.

A long line of high profile candidates, including ex-Bolton boss Sam Allardyce have turned down the chance to manage City, leading them to settle for a less experienced manager, but one who has an impressive record so far.

Keane is frustrated at the lack of progress in strengthening Sunderland`s squad, with defence being a particular concern.

“Half our back four from last season are not even our players – Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson,” said the Irishman in a recent interview.

It has been widely reported that Keane is disappointed with the lack of transfer funds available to him and with the mooted takeover of City by Thaksin Shinawatra, the likelihood of him switching back to the area where he made his name increases.

Manchester City are in turmoil at the moment. Influential defender Sylvain Distin has signed for Portsmouth on a free transfer, Micah Richards is a target for Chelsea and Joey Barton is facing police charges after an attack on team-mate Ousmane Dabo. Roy Keane`s stature and approach are seen as an antidote to the club`s problems. Sunderland have so far made no comment.