Sunderland boss Roy Keane is ready to continue his spending spree with a flurry of activity in the next week.
The Cork man has taken his total investment this summer to £16million with swoops for Michael Chopra, Kieran Richardson and Dickson Etuhu inside the last seven days, and is not about to rest yet.
He was giving nothing away about his interest in Hearts keeper Craig Gordon last night amid reports that the Black Cats have upped their bid to a remarkable £9million.
Asked if he had anything to say about the speculation following last night's 2-0 friendly victory at Darlington, Keane replied: ‘Nothing at all.’
The talk north of the border is that the Wearsiders have made their move for Keane's former Celtic team-mate Bobo Balde, although the silence which has surrounded negotiations so far this summer was being maintained at the Stadium of Light.
Keane has also hinted his interest in Wigan full-back Leighton Baines is far from over despite seeing three offers to date rejected.
However, the 35-year-old, who has already landed Greg Halford - who made his debut last night - Russell Anderson, Chopra, Richardson and Etuhu, has at least three remaining targets in his sights and he is hopeful of making breakthroughs soon with a training trip to Portugal after Saturday's game at Scunthorpe fast approaching.
He said: ‘We know we need a few more players and we are in talks with maybe three or four players at this moment in time.
‘We are hoping deals will be done next week. I don't think they will be done before we go to Portugal over the weekend, but hopefully when we get back from there because we need a bit more strength in depth.
‘We have lost a few players from last year with (loan signings) Jonny (Evans) and Danny (Simpson) leaving, and we definitely need more strength in depth.
‘When we do get one or two in, there is every chance one or two might move on. My job is to try to get the right balance and the right squad in for what will be a very long season.’
It has proved a busy summer for the former Manchester United skipper, whose transfer activity 12 months ago was compressed into a frenzied few days following his appointment in August.
He, chairman Niall Quinn and chief executive Peter Walker have been attempting to strengthen the squad ever since promotion was confirmed.
However, Keane is expecting things to hot up over the next few days.
He said: ‘I have made lots of phone calls over the summer, but I suppose I have learned from experience that maybe not too much happens over the summer.
‘You are probably best waiting until you come back because players are on holiday, chief execs are on holiday, managers are on holiday, so you need to learn fast.
‘I made a lot of phone calls on my summer holiday - I think my wife is getting worried about me and Peter Walker, I'm sure she thinks we are up to something.
‘Peter and Niall have been a great support, but it's all a learning curve and sometimes you have to be patient and hope the deals will come right.
‘We have had our rewards over the last couple of days and I am hopeful by this time next week, there will be another two or three faces to add to what is a very good squad I have got anyway.’
Meanwhile, former United keeper Raimond van der Gouw has joined the club's coaching staff.
