Keane hopeful of new signing

ROY Keane is hopeful of bringing in at least one new signing this week.

Derek Davis

ROY Keane is hopeful of bringing in at least one new signing this week.

The Blues boss has made room for a new attack-minded player by selling Jordan Rhodes last week and is closing in on one of a few targets.

But Keane, who was at Vicarage Road to see Watford beat Italian side Parma on Saturday denied that he had made a move for Hornets striker Tamas Priskin.

Watford boss Malky Mackay also confirmed that Watford had not received a bid for the Hungarian striker from Ipswich, and so could not have turned a bid down as reported in certain quarters.

It could be that Keane's target is actually Tommy Smith who Sheffield United have tried, so far unsuccessfully, to buy.

While knocking back the Priskin rumours, and reports that he had interest in Henri Camara, Keane revealed that is the area he is most keen to reinforce.

He said: “The keepers are okay. The defenders are okay, midfield okay but I probably look to bring in another attack-minded player. Probably two if I can be greedy.

“There is the possibility something can be done in the next 24 hours.”

Keane is determined not to have too many players, and the problems that can bring after previous experience.

He said: “It is something I learned at Sunderland.

“I have a core squad of 20 and in terms of numbers that is decent, with maybe one or two to come in. I'm fairly pleased with the balance of the squad and the spirit has been decent.

“Without over analysing I feel pre-season has gone as expected. I have tried different players and systems and had a look at a lot of things.”

With Colin Healy suspended for the trip to Coventry City, Pablo Counago and Kevin Lisbie listed as injured, Keane is hoping Liam Trotter will prove his fitness after a hamstring injury and he can add a forward before the weekend.