Keane Race Heats Up

Parkhead or Premier?
By Chris O'Brien
November 25 2005

Glasgow Celtic are thought to be leading the chase to sign Roy Keane, but a whole host of Premiership clubs look set to rival the Scottish Cup holders for the players' signature. Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic are just two top-flight clubs who have expressed an interest in signing the 34-year-old.

Up to 30 clubs are thought to be interested in signing Roy Keane after he was released from his Manchester United contract last week. Celtic, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic and West Ham United are said to be the frontrunners to sign the former Irish international.

Keane has never made a secret of his life-long ambition to end his professional career in Scotland with Celtic. Gordon Strachan's side who therefore seem the obvious choice for Keane, having revealed their desire to bring the hardworking midfielder to Parkhead. However, wage demands could be a factor and the Scottish Cup holders are unlikely to break the bank to sign the 34-year-old.

Meanwhile, Wigan chairman Dave Whelan would be delighted to bring Keane to the JJB Stadium: "If Paul Jewell came to me and said to me can we go and sign Roy Keane I'll back him," Whelan told BBC Radio Five Live. They all say he will go to Celtic, but let's wait and see."

The Latics were widely-tipped to face a quick return to the Football League following last season's promotion. Yet under Jewell they have challenged at the top end of the table and now look a safe bet to comfortably avoid relegation.

West Ham, United's opponents this weekend, are the latest club to express their interest. Keane could join former team-mate Teddy Sheringham at Upton Park, with the Hammers another newly-promoted side who are upsetting the odds and performing at the right end of the Premiership table.

Portsmouth were quick to confirm speculation that they would be offer Keane the chance to play at Fratton Park, whilst Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and even arch-rivals Manchester City are other top-flight clubs rumoured to be tabling contract offers for the former Nottingham Forest star. The veteran has also been linked with a series of managerial posts, including the Republic of Ireland job and the vacant Pompey post left by the recently sacked Alan Perrin.

Keane's future remains very much uncertain, but no transfer can be made until January 1st when the new transfer window opens. Another transfer saga awaits!