Ireland added to Keane wanted list

2:03am Thursday 22nd May 2008

ROY Keane has added Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland to his list of summer targets.

With Sven-Goran Eriksson's City future expected to be resolved in the next few days, Keane is considering a bid for Ireland, as well as Eastlands team-mate Richard Dunne, who remains high on Keane's list of potential signings.

Like Dunne, 21-year-old Ireland has become increasingly frustrated by the ongoing wranglings behind the scenes at City, with former England coach Eriksson widely expected to move on this summer.

If that is the case then City could face a mass exodus of first-team stars - and owner Thaksin Shinawatra is unlikely to stand in their way.

Ireland, valued at £8m, could be one of the first heading out of the City exit door, with Sunderland leading the chase to sign the Republic of Ireland international.

With a reputed £50m at his disposal this summer, it still remains to be seen whether Keane would be prepared to meet City's valuation, and a bid in the region of £5m may test their resolve.

Sunderland are also monitoring Dunne's situation closely. The 27-year-old is being tracked by a host of Premier League clubs, including derby rivals Newcastle United, who remain favourites to sign the defender.

The City captain has an option to buy out the remaining 12 months of his contract and if Eriksson moves on later this week, it is highly likely that Dunne will follow the Swede.

Eriksson will remain in charge until after City complete their tour of the Far East today and an announcement on his future is expected to made when he returns to England at the end of the week.

Keane is also keeping close tabs on West Ham United winger Luis Boa Morte, who is reportedly unsettled at Upton Park.

The 30-year-old is considering his options after coming under fire from Hammers fans during their poor run of form in the end of season run-in.

The former Portugal international has also been linked with a move to Newcastle, who tried to sign the winger in 2005 from Fulham. A fee in the region of £3m would tempt West Ham to part with Boa Morte.

"I've got two years left on my contract at West Ham but I don't like the situation and we'll see what happens in the summer," said Boa Morte.

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