Sunderland boss Roy Keane is being urged to break the bank to sign permanently on-loan Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.

Wearside legend Charlie Hurley told the Sunday Sun: "I think Sir Alex Ferguson will be quite happy for Jonny to go on loan to Sunderland because he knows that Roy Keane will get the player playing at his best.

"The loan deal has worked out well for everybody, because I'm sure Jonny would rather be playing for Roy in the Premiership than playing for Manchester United reserves.

"But Jonny is a terrific player and he would be worth breaking the bank for if there is any chance of signing him full-time.

"He's done extremely well as a loan signing and he would be even better as a permanent buy - you can bet that Roy Keane would love to sign him in the summer.

"And if Manchester United win a trophy this season - either the Premiership or the Champions League - I think there is a chance Sir Alex might let Jonny go.

"But if he doesn't win any silverware, I think they'll want to keep him."