Keane appointment unlikely...

Recently retired Roy Keane has been linked with the vacant manager's post at Sunderland, however such an appointment is unlikely should Quinn and his consortium complete their takeover of the club.

The former Manchester United midfielder's recent decision to retire from the game due to a hip problem sparked rumours that he is being lined up by Sunderland's potential new owners to become the new manager on Wearside.

According to the Daily Mail, members of the consortium headed by Niall Quinn are eager to recruit the former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder to lead the new revolution being planned for the Black Cats.

However, while neither Quinn nor Sunderland are able to talk about the rumour due to Stock Exchange rules, it seems very unlikely that Keane will be apppointed should Quinn's consortium prove successful in buying out the club.

Quinn and Keane have not been on the best of terms since the latter's widely publicised spat with Mick McCarthy at the Republic of Ireland camp before the 2002 World Cup. And while Keane is respected in the game due to his dedication and winning attitude, his lack of coaching experience would mean that it would be a massive gamble by any new owners to appoint him as manager.

Martin O'Neill remains the overwhelming choice of fans and, it is believed, is still Quinn's number one choice to succeed Mick McCarthy as permanent Sunderland boss. It has also been rumoured that ex-Reserves coach Ricky Sbragia, now at Bolton, is also in the frame should the takeover succeed.

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