But he has assured Sunderland fans that he wont be paying over-the-odds for signings he desires.
Keane told Sunderland's Official Website: "I know a lot of players have been mentioned in connection with Sunderland and I don't want to get involved in all that.
"Sometimes there's an impression that Sunderland have a lot of money to spend and that affects the values clubs put on their players, but I won't pay over the odds, I won't be held to ransom.
"I've not got a list of 20 or even 10 players I'll be considering next month - I've got a list of maybe four or five players that I'm hoping to bring into the club, that's all.
"If I don't get those players, then I've got no intention of working my way down a big list."