BIRMINGHAM CITY have confirmed they are in negotiations with Tottenham as they stepped up their efforts to take Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane to St Andrew’s. Keane has barely featured for Spurs this season and has been told he can leave by manager Harry Redknapp.

Keane has slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane and is desperate to play regular first team football. He has also recently been linked with a move to relegation-threatened West Ham although no concrete movements have been forthcoming.

Birmingham’s lack of goal power has been the main reason why they have been locked in a survival battle during the first half of the season. Midfielder Craig Gardner is the top scorer with just five goals and manager Alex McLeish has become frustrated at his side’s inability to convert their chances.

Any move for Keane is likely to cost the midlands club some €8.2 million.

Keane spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic but Redknapp has said that he would not be prepared to allow Keane leave on loan again, preferring to make any move permanent.

“Robbie needs to play. He can play at the top level. A loan wouldn’t be an option for Robbie now, it would need to be a permanent move,” Redknapp said yesterday. “If they are happy to stay here then I am happy to keep them but I just get the feeling that they want to get out and play some football.”

Meanwhile, Shane Long has responded to rumours linking the him with a move to Premier League West Ham by committing himself to Championship side Reading. Long has been in scintillating form as of late scoring six goals in his last five games which has attracted interest from potential suitors. West Ham have emerged as one of these potential suitors with manager, Avram Grant, expected to look to bolster his attack during the January transfer window. However the Republic of Ireland international has insisted that he is happy playing for Reading and does not see himself leaving the Madejski Stadium, “I’m enjoying my football here at Reading at the moment and I know this team is destined for big things and I want to be a part of that. I just have to concentrate on my own game and what will be will be.”

Steve Sidwell (28) is to join Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season after his proposed move from Aston Villa to West Ham United fell through.

The midfielder had agreed terms to go to Upton Park but the deal stalled until West Ham could reduce their squad and Wolves pounced. Wolves are expected to pay a €294,920 loan fee and cover Sidwell’s €40,000 weekly wages.