Town have agreed a fee with Sunderland for midfielder Grant Leadbitter and have begun talks with the player, according to PFA representative Matthew Buck. The 23-year-old was a regular in Keane’s side at the Stadium of Light.
Buck, who is acting for Leadbitter, said: "A fee has been agreed between Sunderland and Ipswich for Grant and we have been given permission to open talks with Ipswich.”
The Chester-le-Street-born player, who has won England caps at U20 and U21 levels, is a Sunderland fan from childhood, coming the youth system on Wearside.
The 5ft 9n in tall midfielder, who Keane has previously compared to Paul Scholes in style, made his first team debut in the 2003/04 season and has now made 69 starts and 54 sub appearances, scoring 11 goals.
Currently, Sunderland’s longest-serving player, Leadbitter, who is reportedly also interesting one or two other clubs, spent time on loan at Rotherham in 2005.
Keane was understood to be at Monday’s Norwich City-Sunderland Carling Cup tie in which Leadbitter played.