Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has vowed to ward off any interest in manager Roy Keane and keep him at the Stadium of Light.

Quinn has been delighted by Keane's work in guiding Sunderland to near-safety in the Premier League with the Black Cats moving seven points clear of trouble following last weekend's win over West Ham.

The former Manchester United star, who guided Sunderland to promotion in his first season in management, has just one-year left on his contract on Wearside.

Quinn is planning to hold talks with Keane over a new deal in the summer and is hoping to tie down his fellow Irishman to a new long-term deal to ward off potential suitors.

"There will be top clubs who have looked at what is happening at Sunderland," Quinn told The Guardian. "As the thing gets better and better you can see somebody coming in for our manager.

"There's no point saying it's not going to happen - somebody will try to take Roy from us at some point."

Despite their position in 14th spot, Quinn is refusing to take for granted their safety from relegation.

"We are taking nothing for granted because there are a lot of points still to play for and we have a lot of work to do to maintain a place in the Premier League."

Quinn revealed Keane will receive backing from the club's board in the summer to build on their success on this term.

"The summer will be the time for Roy to set out his requirements," added Quinn.

"I don't think for one minute that personal finances will come into it. I'm sure he'll want to talk about the structure and the ambition.

"When we sit down it will be a case of discussing where we're going and what the next three years and beyond hold for us."

TEAMtalk / Eurosport