Sunderland are confident of wrapping up a deal for Portsmouth defender Andy O'Brien.
The Journal says Sunderland are set to sign former Newcastle United defender O'Brien, despite competition from Wigan Athletic and Fulham.
Wigan want to reunite the versatile Irishman with Titus Bramble, while Lawrie Sanchez is also an admirer, but Keane is understood to be at the front of the queue for the £1m-rated player.