Defender hunt goes on for Keane

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is reportedly trying to lure Manchester United's Jonny Evans to the Stadium Of Light.

The Black Cats boss is eager to bring in a quality centre-back after seeing a move for Spurs' Younes Kaboul fall through this week.

Northern Ireland international Evans has spent two loan spells at Sunderland and it is thought Keane is planning to bring him back to Wearside.

But Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is a big admirer of the 20-year-old and could be reluctant to part with him.

Keane has financial backing from the board at Sunderland, having already splashed out this summer, and could test Ferguson's resolve to keep him, or attempt to bring the player back on a season-long loan deal.

Celtic's Bobbo Balde has also been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light as Keane looks to tighten up his defence to avoid a repeat of last season's relegation scrap.