Sunderland boss Roy Keane has made a late bid to sign Charlton captain Andy Reid.

It is understood the Black Cats have tabled an offer in the region of €5.4 million for the 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international.

Reid joined the Addicks from Tottenham in a move which could have amounted to €4m in August 2006, and has made 23 appearances so far this season.

Keane had been chasing another left-footed Irishman Stephen Hunt but was unable to prise the winger away from Reading.

The similarities between the two end with being left-footed midfielders.

Unlike effervescent winger Hunt who harries full-backs and gets into the box, Reid is a central midfielder with the ability to pick a pass and build from deep.

Like Hunt, however, he does score goals and is a threat over a dead ball as Keane will know having played with the Dubliner at international level.