IF first base was retaining Premier League status, then second base, as far as Sunderland are concerned, will surely be attracting top-quality signings this summer. In the eyes of Andy Reid, achieving one should aid in the pursuit of the other.

Roy Keane, the Black Cats manager, has already began to work on a list of possible transfer targets in the aftermath of Saturday's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough, which preserved their place in the top-flight for a further year.

Scottish football's newly-crowned player and young player of the year, Aiden McGeady, is high on Keane's agenda, with an approach to Celtic likely to occur within the next few weeks.

Discussions with chairman Niall Quinn are imminent and Keane fully expects to be given a firm hand that will enable him to compete with Premier League clubs outside the top four on the recruitment front during the close season.

And McGeady will act as the first real test of how serious Sunderland are on that front this summer, with the Bhoys looking for around £10m for the Republic of Ireland international.

The 22-year-old has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Tottenham, although Sunderland could look to use transfer-listed former Celtic winger Ross Wallace in part-exchange.

In the past, most notably after successive seventh place finishes in 2000 and 2001, Sunderland have struggled to pull in the cream of European game.

But, with Keane in charge and with substantial backing from the Drumaville consortium, there is a belief within the existing squad that convincing a higher calibre of player to move to Sunderland can be done.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan and McGeady are on Keane's radar, although the scouting system in place at the Stadium of Light will also mean there will be many others approached on the continent.

Reid, a £4m buy in January from Tottenham, is excited about the prospect of a summer in which there is sure to be movement on the transfer front - and he is also backing Keane to bring in the men he wants.

"All top players want to play in the Premier League and we can offer that next year now. The fact we are in there gives us the pulling power needed," said the 25-year-old.

"This club also has the fan base, the facilities. It's all important. The manager has always stressed, even when I was thinking about coming here, that this club does everything professionally.

"From the facilities, to the travelling arrangements for matches, everything is done properly. As players we couldn't want anymore. It's staggering how professional this club is. That's from the men and ladies in the offices right through to us guys on the pitch.

"When the manager looks at attracting the top players, they should have no bother tuning into that because this is a top, top club."

Reid is aware of the fact Sunderland have, in the past, failed to attract top names to Wearside, even with the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

In fact the Republic of Ireland international himself rejected the overtures of Sunderland, when he opted to move to Charlton from Tottenham in August 2006. That, though, was purely because the lure of the Premier League far outweighed that of playing in the Championship.

"The perception here has changed already but to get a second successive season in the Premier League, inevitably, will help," said Reid. "The manager has a reputation because of who he is and that will help him to attract the players he wants.

"It's important the manager brings in the right type of players. We need players who will gel in with the team spirit here already and into the way we play. The manager will know that.

"Staying up is a base, it's a start and the manager is keen to stress that. This gives us a little bit of stability and it gives us an opportunity to kick on because we have another year to move on.

"The main thing for the club and the supporters is that it is exciting. Everyone connected with Sunderland should be optimistic. There is a great opportunity to kick on because it's a great club with a lot of good players who are all desperate to succeed."

Overcoming Middlesbrough last weekend has brought the feel-good factor back to Wearside after the disappointment of losing to Newcastle six days earlier. And, after Saturday's trip to Bolton, Sunderland are expecting a sell-out for their last match of the season at home to Arsenal on May 11.

Tickets, priced from £25 for adults and £9 for juniors, are available from 0845 6711973. Sunderland will also wear their new 2008-09 kit for the first time against the Gunners.