Sunderland Athletic boss Roy Keane is preparing a £5million bid to lure Republic of Ireland International Stephen Hunt from Championship side Reading.

26-year-old Hunt joined Reading from Brentford in 2005, and has made 106 appearances for the Royals, but following Reading’s relegation from the Premier League last season is keen for a move away from the Madjeski Stadium this summer.

"It is a short career and fans would appreciate it more if players were more honest about these things,” Hunt told The Sun.

"Anyone who says they don't want to be in the Premier League is lying”.

Keane is a big admirer of the combative midfielder, and feels that Hunt would be a good addition to the Stadium of Light, as he looks to consolidate the Black Cats position in the Premiership.