Keane biding his time with transfer targets

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is having to remain patient as he attempts to strengthen his squad for a Premier League survival fight.

The 36-year-old Irishman is refusing to take no for an answer from Reading over compatriot Stephen Hunt after once again being rebuffed by the Royals.

Keane is understand to have offered £3m for the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international, but the Berkshire club, who insist they do not want to sell him, have a significantly higher valuation.

There have been suggestions that it could take as much as £8m in total for Steve Coppell's club to part with Hunt and striker Leroy Lita, with the former accounting for £5m of that figure.

Whether or not Keane and his chairman Niall Quinn are prepared to go that high remains to be seen, with the former Manchester United skipper insisting he will not be held to ransom, either in terms of transfer fees or wages, as he looks for value for money from his £20m kitty.

Sunderland have also been credited with an interest in Portsmouth's Matt Taylor, who is expected to command a fee or between £3m and £4m, although Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has seen his squad depleted by African Nations Cup calls and may be reluctant to sell before he can find a replacement.

However, the Wearsiders' interest in Blackburn's Robbie Savage appears to be over with the Wales international today holding talks with Derby.

Both clubs made inquiries for the player, but it is the Rams who have firmed up their approach to agree a fee with Rovers and be given permission to talk to the 33-year-old.

Meanwhile, Leicester's interest in Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop appears to be at an end after they signed Ben Alnwick on loan from Tottenham.

The 24-year-old was recalled from his loan spell at the Walkers Stadium by the Black Cats last week after the Foxes' offer of £1m for him was rejected out of hand.

Fulop, who headed for Wearside from Spurs as Alnwick went in the opposite direction a year ago, is rated at £3m, and Leicester decided to look elsewhere.

Meanwhile, several members of Keane's first-team squad are on duty with the reserves this evening as the manager prepares for Sunday's Premier League clash with Portsmouth.

Greg Halford, Ian Harte, Ross Wallace, Liam Miller, David Connolly and Anthony Stokes are in a 15-man party for the short trip to Newcastle, as is defender Russell Anderson for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery in August.

Anderson, a £1m summer signing from Aberdeen, managed only two senior appearances for the club before his injury problems struck.