Tottenham captain Robbie Keane wanted by Celtic in January

14 September 2009 13:29
Keane was re-signed by Harry Redknapp from Liverpool just nine months ago but once clubs are able to trade again he could be on the move after Celtic started the process of securing his services early, according to a report in the Daily Mirror. Tony Mowbray, the Celtic manager, is a huge admirer of Keane’s and the striker’s affiliations with the Republic of Ireland national team would play well with the club’s fans. Were Celtic to be successful in their bid the move would constitute a major coup and help revise the notion that the Old Firm are increasingly struggling to attract top level players at the height of their careers. Though Keane has largely partnered Jermain Defoe in Tottenham’s Premier League matches this season manager Harry Redknapp has both Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch in his squad and so would not be left short by the Irishman’s departure. A figure of £7 million is believed to be sufficient for the 29-year-old though Tottenham may wish to deal in part exchange. Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to bring Celtic’s Scott Brown to White Hart Lane and that may ease the transfer. Brown is valued at around £12 million and Tottenham would be happy to offer Keane plus the £5 million. Keane’s wages in the Premier League would far outstrip those of the majority of Celtic’s squad but the club is sound financially and their Irish backers would be willing to fund Keane’s salary. Mowbray has already initiated a fluid, attacking playing style at Parkhead in the short time he has been there and, despite Celtic being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal, will be given time to mold a side. He believes a player of Keane’s style and quality would help develop the current side and younger players around him.

Source: Telegraph