The decision to make Whitehead captain came as a result of Keane's decision to let defender - and usual captain - Steve Caldwell speak to Championship rivals Burnley.
Burnley took Sunderland misfit Andy Gray on-board last season,and they now look set to complete a somewhat surprising swoop for former-Newcastle man, Caldwell.
Meanwhile, former Sunderland defender Dan Smith has been denied the chance to end his Aberdeen-hell. He was recalled from his trial at Crewe due to injuries to Aberdeen's first-team regulars. Smith only joined the Scottish club last summer when he signed a 3-year-deal.