CARDIFF CITY are ready to test Sunderland's resolve by offering Graham Kavanagh a return to Ninian Park.

Manager Roy Keane last night insisted that Monday's £3m deal to bring Greg Halford to Wearside will be the first of many signings this summer and it is understood Sunderland are close to agreeing a deal for Preston striker David Nugent.

But midfield reinforcements are also expected to be on Keane's wishlist and Cardiff are waiting intently to make a move for the Republic of Ireland international.

Kavanagh spent four successful years in South Wales after leaving Stoke City in the summer of 2001 and supporters of the Bluebirds would love to see the former Middlesbrough player return.

Keane wants a squad capable of becoming a force in the Premiership next season and is well aware of the impressive top-flight performances the 33-year-old turned in with Wigan.

But, after leaving the Latics last August, the Black Cats boss has come to realise injuries have restricted Kavanagh's career on Wearside and he only made ten starts for the club last season.

His talent has never been in any doubt but given he has not played since the defeat at Crystal Palace in December because of a serious knee injury, there is a possibility he could be moved on.

Keane is in the luxurious position of not having to sell to create funds for new players but Kavanagh would probably prefer to head elsewhere if he was going to be playing reserve team football next season.

Halford's arrival from Reading on Monday is likely to be just the beginning of the additions at the Stadium of Light, with Keane targeting a number of new faces.

"It's always nice to get the first one in, I have to say. Hopefully it's the first of many," said Keane, who was giving nothing away in his pursuit of fresh faces.

And, having finished a two week residential course towards his UEFA Pro Licence, the Sunderland boss is ready to step up his push for top talent with chairman Niall Quinn.

Nugent and Manchester United's Alan Smith are among his top targets, although the capture of Halford is likely to mean he has dropped his interest in West Brom's Paul McShane.

In Nugent's case, though, it is understood Preston have reached an agreement with Sunderland over the sale of the England Under-21 international.

The 22-year-old had hoped to move to Everton, but the Toffees' reluctance to match the valuation means that Sunderland are ahead in the race to sign him.

It has been suggested that Sunderland have had an offer - believed to be worth around £8m and could include Stephen Elliott - accepted and he will decide his future after the championships in Holland.