Roy Keane is targetting West Brom defensive duo Paul McShane and Paul Robinson.
Reports from the Black Country have suggested Roy Keane is ready to make a £5million bid for the pair as he attempts to strengthen his squad for life in the Barclays Premier League.
There was no comment from either club as of yet, although it is understood no offer has yet been tabled by the Black Cats.
However, Keane's interest in 21-year-old McShane, who arrived at the Hawthorns on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer, is long-standing.
The Wicklow-born Republic of Ireland Under-21 international emerged from the ranks at Old Trafford and was a member of the 2003 FA Youth Cup winning team.
He had loan spells at Walsall and Brighton before joining the Baggies.
Robinson joined West Brom from Watford for £250,000 in October 2003 after more than six years as a professional at Vicarage Road.
The player's agent, Robert Segal, has admitted the 28-year-old feels he needs to be playing in the Premier League, although he signed a three-year contract only last summer.
There have been suggestions that injury-plagued Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott could be used as a make-weight in any deal.
Sunderland are also locked in talks with Scotland international Russell Anderson.
The 28-year-old Aberdeen defender has been reportedly given permission to speak to the Black Cats, although the fee is yet to be agreed.
However, the Clydesdale Bank Premier League side's £1million valuation is unlikely to be a major obstacle, and the player was expected to undergo a medical today.
Anderson's agent Blair Morgan told the Scottish Sun: ‘Russell has been given permission to talk to Sunderland.
‘We are here for those meetings and we will see how it all progresses.’
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has also been trailing Anderson, but it appears Keane has made a decisive move and could wrap up his second signing of the summer within days.
Anderson joined the Dons as a trainee and was given a testimonial last season.
He has seven full caps and has made 320 appearances for his hometown club, scoring 17 goals.
Anderson would be Keane's second signing since the Wearsiders secured their return to the Barclays Premier League.
Greg Halford became the first when he completed a £3million switch from Reading.
Keane has yet to give up hope of persuading Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to rethink his decision to see out the final year of his contract at the Reebok Stadium, and is awaiting the outcome of his approach for Preston's David Nugent.
The 22-year-old striker flew out on a week's holiday after speaking to the Wearsiders on Friday, although his destination remains unclear with Everton, the club he supported as a boy, yet to declare their hand.
