CHRIS BAIRD should still become Sunderland's third signing of the summer this week - despite returning to the south coast to train with Southampton yesterday.

The international defender is believed to have been on Wearside discussing the finer details of his £3m move to the North-East over the weekend, but Saints boss George Burley insists there are still things to be sorted out.

The stalling could still alert Fulham, who had a £2.5m offer rejected last week, although Sunderland remain in the driving seat after agreeing the fee with his employers.

"Chris trained with us on Monday but he is still in talks with Sunderland," said Burley.

"Nothing is finalised and nothing is agreed.

"We have agreed a fee and they are in talks but that's where we are at the moment.

"I don't want Chris to leave but at the end of the day we are not in position turn down Sunderland's offer."

Keane has made his defence a priority since leading Sunderland to the Championship title in May, particularly after it became clear Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson would not be returning on loan from Manchester United.

Adding Greg Halford and Russell Anderson to the squad at a combined £4m helped matters, although Keane knows many more signings are required to strengthen their Premiership push.

Baird, the Northern Ireland international, established himself as a centre-back for the Saints last season, despite rising to prominence initially as a right-back.

The 25-year-old has been keen to leave St Mary's this summer and handed in a transfer request recently after learning of interest from Fulham.

The Black Cats returned to pre-season training yesterday and beyond Baird, Paul McShane should follow to the Stadium of Light, provided Sunderland can reach an agreement over a fee for the right-back.

And given West Brom have accepted a combined £11m worth of bids for striker Diomansy Kamara and Jason Koumas, from Fulham and Wigan respectively, they will be in no rush to reduce their asking price.

McShane has been tracked for months by Keane.

The Baggies, though, could be looking to receive a similar £3m fee to that being paid to Southampton for Baird.

It would appear, however, there is little substance in the rumours Paul Scholes has been on Wearside for talks and a medical, although there is no doubting Keane would like to sign him.