NIALL QUINN feels that securing a second successive season in the Premier League would seriously strengthen Sunderland's arm in the transfer market this summer.

The Black Cats remain very much in a fight against relegation, despite recording a first away win of the campaign at Aston Villa last weekend.

But if Sunderland can overcome West Ham at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, the four-point advantage they have over the bottom three could be extended to seven with six matches remaining.

It is only when safety is assured that Roy Keane will be able to act on the list of transfer targets he has been working on, with the hope being that he can attract a higher calibre of player to Wearside next season.

There has already been a renewed interest in his former Manchester United team-mate Diego Forlan, and it is international stars that he would like to bring to the club.

Chairman Quinn, who has backed Keane to the tune of more than £40m since promotion was achieved last May, is more than willing to keep backing the Sunderland boss.

But he knows that top-flight status is essential if the Irish pair are not going to be knocked back by their targets, in a similar fashion to the way Forlan did eight months ago.

"There will be twists and turns in this relegation run-in, I have no doubt. But the club is solid throughout. The supporters have been incredible," said Quinn.

"It's more difficult for the supporters because they have to watch it. It means so much to them. But they've been so patient, they understand how difficult it's been for us.

"We came up a little ahead of our target but you can't say no.

Survival now would be huge because it would mean that we can kick on. I have a plan in mind but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't have a Plan B.

"It's well known that last summer we missed out on a few players.

Their agents were asking questions of us, would we stay up and all that.

"They were definitely wary of us. But when the window opens up again, we can show players how serious we are. It's a huge club and it needs to be up there every season."

One of the players currently at Keane's disposal is transfer-listed Liam Miller and there remains no sign of the situation improving.

Miller was made available last month after turning up for training late on three occasions in quick succession, which enraged his manager.

The Republic of Ireland international has continued to impress in training and Keane has said in recent weeks that the midfielder could play before May.

Quinn said: "The situation hasn't progressed or regressed. Liam is fighting hard to get his place back in the team and he is coming in, putting his head down and working. He has a job to do, but knowing Liam - he's a quiet lad, unassuming and works hard - he will make his way back into that team.

"I haven't spoken to him, that's Roy's department on the football side of things. But I know the characters that Roy brought into the club and Liam is a spirited player."