Downing linked to Black Cats

Keane looking to bring in 'five or six' players

Last updated: 27th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Downing linked to Black Cats

Downing: Sunderland link

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Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has been linked with Sunderland after manager Roy Keane admitted he is looking at players of 'Premier League class'.

Black Cats boss Keane is splashing the cash this summer as he seeks to add more quality to his squad after ensuring top flight survival last term.

Downing, rated at £12million, is the latest to be linked to Sunderland as speculation suggests Boro might let the player go after signing Marvin Emnes.

Keane has already recruited a flurry of players this summer, and expects more to come in.

Next level

He told the Sunday Mirror: "I know the five or six players we're looking to bring in the next week or two would excite me in terms of bringing us to the next level.

"They will all be genuine Premier League class.

"The higher the quality of the player, the higher the wage packet, so it's a test for the club on that side of it because we have to be able to pay the sort of wages needed to get top Premier League stars."