Sunderland are ready to break the British transfer record for a goalkeeper by paying around £9million to Hearts for Craig Gordon.

The Scottish international is said to be very keen on a move to the Black Cats, with Sunderland and Hearts both refusing to comment on the speculation.

Hearts were said to be holding out for £10million for Gordon after rejecting a bid of £8million, but are likely to accept a bid in the region of £9million for their star player.

Keane said last week: “I would have no problem spending £8million or £10million on a player. It would not worry me.”

Gordon’s agent Andy Evans insisted: “I’m not aware of any increased bid. He remains a Hearts player.”

The goalkeeper has two years left on his current contract and Hearts know his value will drop if he is allowed to go into the last season of his deal.