Focus on Sunderland:Roy Keane has a specific idea of what kind of player he wants at Sunderland and knows they don't come cheap, writes Paul O'Hehir

With six new signings on board Roy Keane is some way closer to where he wants to be ahead of the Premiership kick-start in a fortnight's time. But reality bit this past week; not everyone wants to join Sunderland.

Leighton Baines, the Wigan defender, rejected Keane's advances in recent days and, as the club's chairman Niall Quinn acknowledged during the week, the financial clout of smaller outfits doesn't carry like it used to. The €15 million price tag placed on Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon proved a bridge too far.

Keane, though, is content with the calibre he has lured to the Stadium of Light in a game slowly prostituting itself to ludicrous financial demands. A €1.5 million-rated player three or four years ago could set a club back in the region of €7.5 million in today's market. In a top flight league where money dictates, Keane has signed six players for in and around €25 million. Astute shopping the Sunderland supporters hope.

"It's only going to get worse, the fees are going to get worse," said the manager. "But I'm happy with the price for Paul (McShane), happy with the player, happy with all the players we've brought in. I think the valuation is spot on," he said of the initial €2.2 million outlay.

"The more money that comes in, it's going to end up with the players or the agents. There's nothing we can do about it. John Barnes was the first £10,000 (€14,900) a week player. Now there'll be one or two in the Premiership probably on £140,000 (€208,000) a week. I should have carried on playing.

"But if you bring in sportsmen, money is not really an issue for them. Of course they want to get the right deals, but the top people have that inner drive. It doesn't matter what car they've got at home or what money they've got sitting in the bank. They want to do their best every day. They're the players I'm looking for.

"Some people want the money before the hard work. I want players who will put the work in first. If they've anything about them they'll be a multi-millionaire anyway by the time they finish, even average players. So they shouldn't get bogged down by it. What's really important is winning football matches, pushing yourself to the limit, then you'll get your rewards. Very simple really."

Luring McShane from West Brom would appear shrewd business on Keane's part. The manager is familiar with the 21-year-old from their time at Old Trafford and, although levels apart in terms of roles at United, Keane saw enough drive and determination in the Wicklow man's application to warrant a second look.

Since breaking into the international team last October when bossing the giant Czech striker Jan Koller at Lansdowne Road, McShane has gained a reputation as a no-nonsense, tough tackling, versatile commodity in defence. Indeed, there is a lot of Keane reflected in McShane. Does he remind you of someone, Roy?

"Well, I like to tackle and Paul likes to tackle so maybe that's where it starts and that's where it ends. He has great determination to win the ball. Some lads are 6ft 2in, 6ft 3in and they don't want to head it. He can bloody head it, and not just defensively.

"People like Paul want to learn all the time.When you have something like that it stays with you. He might not be the most naturally gifted player in the world but he will make a successful living. He has determination to do well in life, whatever he does."

McShane joins compatriots Anthony Stokes, Daryl Murphy, David Connolly, Liam Miller, Graham Kavanagh and Clive Clarke at the club but Keane insists he is not going out of his way to sign Irish players.

"I'd never try sign a player on the basis it might get in a few more punters (from Ireland) at a game, far from it," he said. "Like, I didn't sign Yorkie (Dwight Yorke) so we'd get more fans from Trinidad. It's just a coincidence."

Murphy and Stokes in particular could have big seasons ahead of them. The former, a Waterford United player just two seasons ago, is singled out for praise.

"Murph brings a helluva lot into our team," he said. "He's got all the attributes, I keep telling him, to be a top top player and maybe sometimes it is a lack of self belief but we're working on it every day and his attitude has been different class. He's been a real bonus."

And Stokes, asks one hack? "Yeah, he's got something. You watch him and you think 'go on Stokesy'. He excites me and it takes a lot to excite me."

A mumble amid the scribes.

"True. Is that what you said?," flashes Keane. "I thought you said true."

When lured into management, Sunderland offered Keane a five-year contract which he refused. A three-year deal was more to his liking. Talks are now under way on a new deal, the club keen to secure a manager whose miracles last season have rejuvenated both Sunderland football club and its city.

Keane, though, denies he is stalling on signing. "I've another two years left so I'm not looking for big extensions. I've done very little at Sunderland really, I've still a lot to prove. I Like working in an environment where you have to prove yourself all the time. So I'm in no mad rush to sign. I'll take it easy over the summer.

"I'm sure people will question my commitment by not signing but I've another two years left anyway. The easiest thing in world would be to sign another contract tomorrow and pick up maybe double my money, that's too easy. I like to do it hard way. I'll try to win first my first 10 games, if lose the first 10 I could be back walking my dog."