Keane wants Man Utd pair on loan

Evans played in 18 league games for Sunderland last season

Roy Keane aims to bring Manchester United defenders Jonny Evans and Danny Simpson back to Sunderland in the January transfer window.

Both enjoyed a successful spell last season as Keane guided the Black Cats back to the Premier League.

Keane said: "If I thought there was an opportunity to bring Jonny to Sunderland, we would consider it.

"He did brilliantly for the club before, as did Danny, and it would be nice if we thought they'd come back."

Simpson played 13 games in Sunderland's Championship-winning campaign and former Old Trafford hero Keane admitted: "It was a nightmare giving them back as they they'd settled in so well.

"But they were good professionals, hard trainers out on the pitch and ready to put everything in.

"Nothing happens until January anyway. But I know there will be a lot of teams ringing up United after Sir Alex (Ferguson) said the other week that there would be plenty going out on loan.

"His phone will be red hot at this moment in time and whether Jonny will still be there in January I really don't know, but it would be nice if we thought they'd come back."