Spurs boss Harry warns off Hammers in Keane pursuit
HARRY REDKNAPP says he would be reluctant to let Robbie Keane leave White Hart Lane for a third time after West Ham boss Avram Grant confirmed his interest yesterday.
The Republic of Ireland captain has been linked with a move away from Spurs this summer after failing to hold down a starting place in Harry Redknapp’s side.
Celtic, who signed Keane on a four-month loan deal in January, have publicly expressed an interest, as have Newcastle, but now Hammers boss Grant is launching his own bid – provided the club can afford it.
“The club has big, big debts but he’s a player I would like to get,” said the Israeli coach.
Redknapp, however, doesn’t have a replacement striker lined up for Keane and with a hectic Premier League and Champions League campaign coming up, is not prepared to let the 30-year-old end his second spell at the club just yet.
“I wouldn’t accept an offer for Robbie Keane before the window shuts, not at the
moment,” the Spurs boss said. “We haven’t got anybody else. I couldn’t afford to let him go.”
Redknapp is also being linked with moves for Everton winger Steven Pienaar and Aston Villa’s Ashley Young ahead of today’s 5pm transfer deadline with Keane rumoured to be the pawn in both.
But Villa caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald insisted last night there has been no contact from Spurs.
“We’ve not had any contact from Tottenham for Ashley Young, nothing at all,” he said. “Clubs are going to be coming in for some of our top players because one or two of them have been tremendous.
“They have shown some great form at the start of this season. I would like to think the club wouldn’t sell them but who knows. If it was down to me, I wouldn’t sell them.”