Roy Keane has hinted that Sunderland will need to pay bigger wages next season - if we're to attract the stars we need to improve on our position.

With the Lads already safe, Keano is looking forward to next season, and reckons that the club needs to pay wages comparable to the Mags and Middlesbrough.

Keane said: "I know for a fact that we pay nowhere near what the clubs nearby us do. Just look at the players who have been at Newcastle and Boro in the last few years.

"I don't think Michael Owen is getting 20 grand a week and neither were Juninho, Boksic or Mendieta. If you want the top players, you have to pay them and we want to try and be in that market.

"I have spoken to one or two in the past who just didn't want to come to Sunderland because they were looking for big packages and to compete at the highest level in terms of challenging for trophies. This club's been chasing its tail in recent years, but that is what we have to try and change."