IF first base was retaining Premier League status, then second base, as far as Sunderland are concerned, will surely be attracting top-quality signings this summer. In the eyes of Andy Reid, achieving one should aid in the pursuit of the other.

Roy Keane, the Black Cats manager, has already began to work on a list of possible transfer targets in the aftermath of Saturday's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough, which preserved their place in the top-flight for a further year.

Scottish football's newly-crowned player and young player of the year, Aiden McGeady, is high on Keane's agenda, with an approach to Celtic likely to occur within the next few weeks.

Discussions with chairman Niall Quinn are imminent and Keane fully expects to be given a firm hand that will enable him to compete with Premier League clubs outside the top four on the recruitment front during the close season.

And McGeady will act as the first real test of how serious Sunderland are on that front this summer, with the Bhoys looking for around £10m for the Republic of Ireland international.

The 22-year-old has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Tottenham, although Sunderland could try to off load transfer-listed former Celtic winger Ross Wallace in part-exchange.

Source : Northern Echo

It would be a massive blow for Celtic to lose McGeady but the potential £10m transfer fee could bring in much needed funds to the club