Niall Quinn, the Sunderland chairman, will open contract talks next month with Roy Keane, the manager, to stave off interest in the Irishman. An agreement is expected on a three-year deal that will tie Keane to the Stadium of Light until 2012.

When asked whether he fears interest from Manchester United, who are monitoring the progress of Keane, Quinn said: “It’s a problem that I would love to have in a couple of years. I would not bet against this guy doing anything. We are just pleased we have him. It’s all going well, but if someone comes along and tries to spoil the party, we will deal with it.” Keane, who saw Ajax ease to a 1-0 preseason victory at the Stadium of Light yesterday, said: “I’m comfortable with that. I couldn’t really care less if talks start next month, at Christmas or in the new year.”

A goal from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, the Holland forward, secured the win and his coach, Marco van Basten, reiterated his determination to keep him at the club. “He’s staying at Ajax,” he said of the player who has been targeted by United.

Keane is determined to recruit another forward regardless of the results of an exploratory operation on Kenwyne Jones’s knee today. The Trinidad & Tobago striker was injured in the friendly against England two months ago and may require surgery.