Roy Keane is expected to sign a contract with Sunderland immediately after today's game with West Brom and then be officially unveiled at a press conference tomorrow morning.

The Manchester United legend will sign a three-year contract with the struggling club.

The club announced last night that the 35-year-old had agreed to become manager - a coup for chairman and former Republic of Ireland team-mate Niall Quinn.

Keane will watch this afternoon's Coca-Cola Championship clash with West Brom from the directors' box at the Stadium of Light before completing the formalities.

Because of the this weekend's international break, Keane will not be in charge for the first time until Sunderland travel to Derby on September 9th.

He is also expected to bring in an experience coach. Former United number two Brian Kidd has emerged as favourite.

Keane spoke to the players yesterday at the club's Academy of Light training headquarters but Quinn and coach Bobby Saxton have prepared the team for this afternoon's game.

Five successive defeats, four in the league, have left Sunderland at the foot of the table and out of the Carling Cup.

Quinn's Drumaville consortium have promised Keane money to strengthen his squad and it is understood he was kept informed of the deals which brought Swedish midfielder Tobias Hysen — who could make his debut today — and Frenchman William Mocquet to England last week.

But with the transfer window due to close on Thursday, he will have little time to recruit further signings with Sunderland having already lost vital ground in the race for an immediate return to the Premiership.  PA