Speculation mounts surrounding Keane

4th December 2008

Speculation was mounting on Wearside on Thursday morning that Roy Keane has parted company with Sunderland.

The 37-year-old is understood to have been locked in talks with the club's hierarchy after weeks of rumours that his time as manager could be drawing to a close.

There has been no comment from the Black Cats, although Keane is due to hold his pre-match press conference for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to former club Manchester United at 1pm.

Keane has been under pressure following a dismal run of form which has seen the Wearsiders slip into the relegation zone in the Barclays Premier League.

And the former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder admitted following Saturday's 4-1 home thumping by Bolton that he was not sure he was the best man to arrest the slide.

Keane, who was appointed in August 2006, has been offered unprecedented financial backing by the Sunderland board with his spending topping £60million.