Sunderland boss Roy Keane is facing crunch talks with the club's major shareholder Ellis Short.

The People says the American tycoon, who has a 30 per cent controlling stake, is concerned that the contract that has been on the table for Keane for two months has still not been signed.

In addition the Sunderland hierarchy are aware that the number of players they have farmed out on loan is now in double figures - and most were signed at a great cost by Keane.

One cast off, Paul McShane, is currently playing out of his skin at Hull City. Striker Michael Chopra, who cost Sunderland £5million, is now back at Cardiff City on loan.