Soccer - Transfer News:Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane has agreed to join Scottish giants Celtic on loan until the end of the season after Harry Redknapp had earlier confirmed his club allowed the Republic of Ireland skipper to talk with the Hoops. Other moves including Irish players saw Leon Best and Daryl Murphy make respective moves to Newcastle and Ipswich.
Keaneemerged as a potential target for the Hoops on a frantic transfer deadline day. With the experienced front man currently out of favour at White Hart Lane, Tony Mowbray hoped to convince Spurs that Keane would be better served taking in a spell at Parkhead.
Redknapp, reluctant to stand in Keane's way, agreed to such a request and is happy to let the 29-year-old stay in Scotland until the end of the season.
Celtichave verbally agreed a deal with the player, who is currently on his way to Glasgow to undergo a medical and put the finishing touches to the switch. It is understood that an agreement will be officially announced by Celtic at 11pm.
“It’s a good move,” said Redknapp. “Robbie needs to play. He’s too good a player not to be starting here (Tottenham) regularly. He wants to play all the time.
“It’s been difficult to guarantee Robbie a starting place at the moment. He’s not a happy man when he’s not playing regularly.
“But he loves his football; he’s a great trainer, a great man about the place.”
"To go to Celtic is a dream come true for him anyway. I think it's a move that appeals to him. He's a big Celtic man and he'd like to go up to Celtic and play like Roy Keane did.
"The Irish lads, it's in their blood and they dream of playing for Celtic one day.
"This opportunity is one they want to take and we don't want to stand in his way, because we're strong in that position."
The signing of boyhood Celticfan Keane tops any other business Mowbray has done this transfer window, which included the captures of Diomansy Kamaraon loan from Fulhamand Edson Braafheidfrom Bayern Munich. Celtic also signed 18-year-old winger Paul Slanefrom Motherwellon a four-year deal.
The Scottish transfer window doesn’t close until midnight whereas the English deadline was 5pm, allowing Keane to tie up the Celtic deal tonight.
Keanehad been previously linked with a €10million move to Sunderlandbut Steve Bruce denied any interest in the Dubliner.
“There’s nothing in it. I don’t know where it’s come from to be honest,” said the Black Cats boss.
Sunderland's Republic of Ireland forward Murphyjoined Championship side Ipswichon loan until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old, who has nine Republic of Ireland caps, will join former Black Cats manager Roy Keane’s side, who are battling against relegation to English football’s third tier.
Murphy played 27 times for Sunderland last year but has slipped down the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
He has made seven appearances in league and cup for the Black Cats this season, including two recent starts in Premier League games at Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea.
Elsewhere Hull City"completely rejected" a Wolvesbid for Stephen Hunt, who had been the subject of a €5.7 million bid but cash-strapped Hull didn't bite before today's deadline.
Earlier in the day Bestto make his move from Coventry Cityto Newcastle Unitedin a three-and-half-year deal.
Best (23) was heavily linked with a move away from the Ricoh Arena during the January transfer window with his contract set to expire in the summer and talks over a new deal having stalled.
However, the Republic of Ireland striker arrived at Newcastle’s training ground this morning where he agreed terms and completed a medical before penning the deal.
He joins the Championship leaders having spent two-and-a-half years with Coventry following his 2007 switch from Southampton.
Sky Blues chairman Ray Ranson said: “The situation with Leon’s contract has been well documented.
“When it was apparent that we couldn’t agree terms for him to remain at Coventry City, we knew we would have to listen to offers and act in the best interests of the club.”
Leicestercompleted the loan signing of defender Alex Brucefrom Ipswich. The Republic of Ireland player will remain at the Walkers Stadium until the end of the season with the 25-year-old set to feature against Blackpool at the weekend.
Tamas Priskinhas also left Ipswichto link up with QPRuntil the end of the season.
Priskin (23) joined Roy Keane’s side for a seven-figure fee last summer from Watford but has struggled for form at Portman Road, scoring just once in the Championship.
Manchester Citycompleted the last-minute transfer of Middlesbroughwinger Adam Johnsonfrom Middlesbrough in an €8million move.
The former England Under-21 winger, who had been the subject of a previous bid from City, passed a medical and has signed a contract until June 2014.
"We are delighted that Adam has chosen to come here," said City manager Roberto Mancini.
"He is a very good player with fantastic potential, and as a club we are always keen to sign British talent."
West Hamhave boosted their striking options by completing the signing of Benni McCarthyfrom Blackburnfor an undisclosed fee.
The former FC Porto man has signed a deal at Upton Park through to the summer of 2012 after passing a medical and being granted a work permit.
McCarthy has scored four goals in 16 appearances for Sam Allardyce's side this season but has spent most of the campaign on the bench.
McCarthy is now targeting a first-team spot following his move and said: "Now I can just get back to playing and getting a place in the team. I am also looking forward to getting to know my new team-mates and help get the club out of a tough situation."
The striker also admitted he was excited by manager Gianfranco Zola's vision for the future of the club.
"He has been great and has put my mind at ease on the kind of football the team will play and what I can expect at the club."
McCarthy also refused to criticise Blackburn boss Allardyce over the increasingly limited role he played at the club in recent times.
"I have no complaints about Blackburn. They did not play the kind of football that I wanted to play and so I couldn't play there," he said.
Egypt striker Midois determined to prove a point in England after reportedly signing a four-month loan contract at West Ham.
The forward, who is still on the books of Middlesbroughbut has been playing on loan at El Zamalek, was in London to complete the formalities.
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola also expects the arrival of Brazilian Ilan to be confirmed as personal term discussions continue.
But the Italian has also moved for former Tottenham player Mido and he appears to have signed a man on a mission after the forward's mixed spells at his other English clubs.
Mido (26) said: "I had to sacrifice some things but I am here to play football. I am here to prove a point, definitely.
"I am very happy to be here. It is a great club and I am sure I will do well here, hopefully."
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan has previously stated that Mido had offered to play for just €1,145 a week.
West Ham were snubbed by Ruud van Nistelrooy and Zola's former Chelsea team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen earlier in the transfer window.
Elsewhere in London Redknapp had already sent Alan Huttonand Kyle Naughtonout on loan to Sunderlandand Middlesbroughrespectively.
Portsmouthstriker Dave Nugenthas signed on loan for Burnleyuntil the end of the season.
Nicky Shoreyhas joined Fulhamon loan from Aston Villauntil the end of the season.
The Cottagershave also signed striker Stefano Okakafrom Romaon a six-month loan deal with an option to remain for a further season in England.
"I have been with Roma for five years," said Okaka. "I have grown thanks to the advice of my team-mates. But to have a leap in quality, it is crucial for me to go to England and play in the Premier League."
Netherlandsstriker Klaas Jan Huntelaaris to stay at AC Milanfor the rest of the season.
Huntelaar (26) has been linked with a move to the Premier League having failed to set the world alight at Milan, scoring three goals in 12 league games since his summer move from Real Madrid.
He said: "I have decided to remain at Milan because there are so many people here with whom I have built a great rapport. And I am happy in this club."
Former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, a reported target of Manchester City, has also indicated he will staying in Milan.
"There are so many clubs that have shown an interest in my services," the 25-year-old told the club's official website. "But for the time being, I am happy here."
Wiganhave confirmed the signing of England Under-19 striker Victor Mosesfrom Crystal Palacefor an undisclosed fee.
The rising star had been courted by a number of Premier League and Championship clubs but the Latics announced they had won the race to sign the player.
Moses has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the DW Stadium after passing a medical at the club over the weekend.
Other moves including Irish players saw Keith Treacysign a two and a half year deal at Prestonfrom Blackburnwith Graham Careymoving to St Mirrenin the hope of getting more first team action.
Huddersfield's Jim Goodwinextended his loan spell at Oldhamwhile Stephen Hendersonjoined League two side Aldershoton an initial one month loan.