Roy Keane responds to Sunderland speculation after being interviewed for job

The former Manchester United captain has emerged as a front runner to take the vacant position at the Stadium of Light following Lee Johnson’s departure.

Reports have suggested Keane held talks with the Black Cats on Friday, with the Irishman the current bookies’ favourite to land the job.

The former Republic of Ireland international was back on punditry duty with ITV on Friday night for Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth round clash against Middlesbrough.

But he was giving little away over his next move.

‘I have no control over that, so no comment,’ Keane said when asked about the latest speculation.

‘I’ve made that clear over the last few years, I would like to go back into management but of course, the club has to want to you, you have to want to go that club and just as importantly, the contract has got me right.

‘So we will see how things take shape over the next few days.’

Keane’s first job in management was at Sunderland, taking over in August 2006 and leading the club to promotion to the Premier League in his first season in charge.

After leaving in 2008, he spent two years at Ipswich Town, his last management role.

The 50-year-old has had assistant manager spells at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Republic of Ireland in that time.

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