Roy Keane have given Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn food for thought after asking his boss for £70million to spend this summer in transfers.

The Black Cats boss spent big last time around after bringing the likes of Craig Gordon and Kenwyne Jones to The Stadium of Light in order to retain their top-flight status.

The moves have paid off with the North East club set for a second season of Premier League football under the guidance of Keane.

However, Keane is not resting on his laurels and is keen to splash the cash again this summer and has quoted Quinn a minimum price of £50million needed for reinforcements, although that figure could rise as high as £70m.

"I'd love Niall to give me a cheque for 50, 60 or £70million," said Keane.

"What you find with all top managers is they're not afraid to stake their reputation on spending £15m to £30m on a player.

"I've reminded the chairman once or twice what it's going to cost and that will take care of itself in the summer.

"I'm sure I could spend £200m in the summer but you have to bring in the right players and the right quality. We know that when any quality player becomes available, the top teams are after him.

"But we have to learn from other teams, even Middlesbrough down the road and Newcastle over the years - they've brought in a Juninho or a Mirandinha, and it's got people off their seats.

"Newcastle and Middlesbrough have not just spent money, but brought in higher types of players because they've paid a lot more in wages than Sunderland. In the bigger picture, we're way behind.

"That's the mindset I'm fighting to change and I believe the people I'm working with are ready to do that."

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