Blues close in on Keane

Robbie Keane
12 April 2012

Birmingham are set to hold talks with striker Robbie Keane after having a £6million bid accepted by Tottenham on Friday evening.

City have reached agreement with Spurs to pay an initial £4million for 30-year-old Keane.

This could rise by an additional £2million via various add-ons and clauses in the deal for the Republic of Ireland international.

But Blues boss Alex McLeish has to convince Keane his long-term future lies at St Andrew's after City were given permission to speak to the player.

The much-travelled frontman, who began his career by scoring twice on his debut for Wolves as a 17-year-old, is keen to rebuild his career away from White Hart Lane.

Keane has been Tottenham's player of the year on three occasions and scored more than 100 goals for the club in two spells.

But he has slipped well down the pecking order under Harry Redknapp this season.

Sources close to Blues insist any potential deal for the player is still in its infancy. But McLeish is a known admirer of Keane and has continually stressed the need for Birmingham to sign a quality striker.

He is aware a chronic lack of goals has seen them become embroiled in a Barclays Premier League relegation battle this season. Midfielder Craig Gardner is their leading marksman with just five goals.

If Keane does move to St Andrew's he will link up again with winger David Bentley, who has moved from Spurs on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

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