Roy Admits He's Keen On Vieira

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has intimated that he considered recruiting Patrick Vieira, one of his greatest on-field enemies, during the summer...

Sunderland spent big over the off-season as they sought to build a squad capable of cementing a place in the Premier League's top 10.

One of the most fascinating transfer links involved Vieira, who was Keane's arch-rival when they captained Arsenal and Manchester United respectively during the clubs' glory years in the late 1990s and onwards.

The French midfielder had been tipped to leave Internazionale after a disappointing season punctuated by injuries and poor form, but even the most ambitious punter would have smirked at the idea of a Wearside move.

However, when questioned over his alleged interest in Vieira, the Black Cats boss replied: “Not when I found out his wages!

“If I believe this player can give us something, I’m sure the board would back us. We’re always making enquiries about lots of players.”

While their rivallry was an intense one, few would deny that Keane and Vieira earned each other's respect with every clash and tussle down the years.

There is also little doubt that the former Gunner would have proven a great addition at the Stadium of Light. Natural leaders with that calibre of Premier League experience are a rare and valuable commodity, after all.

Keane continued: “How great is (Vieira)? I don’t know. I don’t go down that road. I just know he was a bloody good player.

“He had good leadership skills, too. But not as good as mine!”

Arsenal travel to Sunderland today, and Keane is expecting Arsene Wenger's side to be especially fired-up after last week's shock loss to Hull City.

“Is Wenger harder than he looks? Without a shadow of doubt,” the Irishman added.

“He has that presence about him. I’m sure if he was having a go at you and standing over you, you would realise that presence.”