West Ham join race for Tottenham's Robbie Keane

West Ham have joined the race to sign out-of-favour Tottenham striker Robbie Keane.Fitness concerns over leading man Carlton Cole as well as Benni McCarthy and new boy Frederic Piquionne, have forced Hammers boss Avram Grant into a desperate search around the transfer market for a striker.West Ham are pointless in the Premier League and have found the net only twice all season, with one of those coming from the penalty spot. Day off: Robbie Keane remained on the bench for Tottenham's clash with WiganThe club secured a loan deal for Inter Milan forward Victor Obinnalast week but Grant would rather deploy the Nigerian out wide. And after missing out on the likes of Thierry Henry, Yakubu, LoicRemy and Roque Santa Cruz, Grant's search has bought him back toLondon, and to the unsettled Keane. On the move? Keane in action against Young BoysBut he admits financial constraints may prevent him beating the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle to the Irishman's signature.'The club has big, big debts but he's a player I would like to get,' said the Israeli coach.Any deal for Keane depends on Tottenham's own recruitment plans. TheLondon club want to bring another body in up front before they letKeane go. Luis Fabiano has been mooted as a potential target after Sevillamissed out on a spot in the Champions League. Manager Harry Redknapp,though, claims no deal either way is close.'I wouldn't accept an offer for Robbie Keane before the windowshuts, not at the moment,' he said. 'We haven't got anybody else. Icouldn't afford to let him go.'Keane has made just two substitute appearances for Spurs thisseason, continuing his indifferent form. The Irishmen appearedrejuvenated by a loan spell at Celtic in the second half of thecampaign and Neil Lennon is another keen to rekindle the relationship. Keane on his travels again as Aston Villa and Newcastle prepare to pounceTottenham 0 Wigan 1: Spurs suffer a hangover as Rodallega hits late winnerCarling Cup draw: Spurs to face their great rivals Arsenal in third roundWEST HAM UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail