Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane is hoping to pull off a triple transfer swoop on his former club Sunderland after witnessing his side's poor start to the season.

Keane hopes to secure the services of Nyron Nosworthy, Carlos Edwards and Daryl Murphy before the transfer window slams shut after seeing his side pick up just one point in their opening four Championship fixtures this term.

His mood could not have been helped after the Tractor Boys crashed out of the Carling Cup on Tuesday evening after losing 2-1 to Darren Ferguson's Peterborough side.

The former Manchester United captain is confident of tying up deals for his former charges, with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce deeming the trio surplus to requirements following his steady summer re-building programme at the Stadium of Light.

Defender Nosworthy and striker Murphy were key figures in Keane's Sunderland side that romped to the 06/07 Championship title, while winger Edwards also played an instrumental role after signing from Luton in January 2007.

Meanwhile, Keane has been dismayed by the attitude shown by some of his players in the opening weeks of the season and has reacted in typical 'Keano' fashion by transfer listing three first-team stars.

Jon Stead, whom was sold by Keane during his time with Sunderland, and Irish midfielders Alan Quinn and Owen Garvan have been told they are surplus to requirements at Portman Road.

After witnessing his side slump to a 2-0 defeat away to West Brom last Saturday, Keane told the Daily Mirror: "These players will never play for me again. Enough is enough.”