Kuszczak blow will see Keane step up Jussi chase (From The Northern Echo)

Kuszczak blow will see Keane step up Jussi chase

6:04am Friday 8th June 2007

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SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane is ready to step up his interest in Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen after Ben Foster's knee injury ruled out a move for fellow Manchester United reserve Tomasz Kuszczak.

Keane had been eyeing a possible season-long loan deal for Kuszczak as he attempts to recruit an experienced goalkeeper ahead of the start of next season.

The Poland international was Manchester United's second-choice stopper last season, but Foster's return to Old Trafford - the 24-year-old has completed a season-long stay at Watford - had looked like making him surplus to requirements next term.

That situation changed earlier this week, though, when it was revealed that Foster had suffered cruciate knee ligament damage that will require an operation that is likely to keep him out for the whole of next season.

With the England international ruled out of the equation, Sir Alex Ferguson will not allow Kuszczak to go anywhere this summer, and Keane is having to reassess his goalkeeping options as a result.

The Black Cats boss has long held an interest in Jaaskelainen, and is now ready to make a formal approach to Bolton officials for the Finland international's services.

Jaaskelainen, who is about to entire the final year of his current contract at the Reebok Stadium, has refused Bolton's offer of a new deal.

The 32-year-old is understood to be holding out for a four-year contract - something the Trotters are unwilling to offer - and while Sammy Lee is reluctant to sell one of his most experienced stars, the Bolton boss could be forced to accept an offer of around £2m.

Keane is expected to declare his hand within the next week, with the former Manchester United skipper refusing to rest on his laurels following last season's thrilling Championship success.

The Irishman, who has also expressed an interest in Preston striker David Nugent, has taken time to reflect on his whirlwind introduction to management, but insists it is already time to look to the future.

"It was nice to reflect on the achievement of last season," he said. "I just like winning football matches, that's what motivates me, but I've quickly moved on from the success. I did it as a player, and getting promotion is history now."

Middlesbrough coach Colin Cooper remains confident of strengthening the club's squad this summer.

Confirmation of Mark Viduka's departure to Newcastle has led to a sustained spell of soul-searching on Teesside, with supporters desperate to celebrate new arrivals of their own.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate continues to patiently close in on a number of transfer targets who include strikers Jeremie Aliadiere and Diomansy Kamara and defenders Jose Bosingwa and Philipp Degen.

Cooper is aware of the growing impatience, but insists that Middlesbrough will have successfully strengthened their ranks by the time the new season begins on August 11.

"There will be a lot of speculation of how much there is available," said the former Middlesbrough skipper. "I think every man and his dog is talking about the amount.

"We'll be dictated by the amount we have to spend and we have to utilise that money in the best way possible.

"But all I can say is that we have been working hard for months to isolate targets and if we can get them, we'll get them."

Arjen Robben's Chelsea future was shrouded in doubt after it was reported in Spain that Real Madrid had opened transfer negotiations with the London club. Real president Ramon Calderon claimed Madrid were in the ''early stages'' of talks with Chelsea.

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