Sport

Pannu denies interest in Keane 'a stunt'

BIRMINGHAM City have denied Robbie Keane’s claims that their attempt to sign him was merely a “publicity stunt” and insisted …

Mon Jan 24 2011 - 00:00

BIRMINGHAM City have denied Robbie Keane’s claims that their attempt to sign him was merely a “publicity stunt” and insisted the interest in the Republic of Ireland captain was genuine.

Responding to the club’s claim that the Spurs striker priced himself out of a move to England’s second city, Keane said there was never any discussion about money with the club, and suggested they may have been using his name to appease supporters.

However, City's vice chairman Peter Pannu has denied this in an interview with the Birmingham Mail.

“This was not a publicity stunt and I was disappointed that the player should say that,” said Pannu. “Keane had spoken extensively with our captain (Stephen Carr) and had no interest to come to the Midlands as he feels his place is in London somewhere.

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“All parties concerned, including our captain, were involved to make it happen. Unfortunately, upon further reflection in Hong Kong, I was requested to pull out of the deal as it is not financially viable to do it.

“I support Hong Kong on this but we shall not forget offers had in the past gone out at between £8 million to £10 million for players which, due to events beyond our control, had not happened. Of late, Kenny Miller as well.

“So for fans or anyone to question the sincerity of the owners I feel is a bit unfair. Where there is value, where they will play, where the team will be improved – we shall continue to support Alex McLeish, as has always been the case, to strengthen the team.

“It may not happen as readily as when Carson Yeung was first here, as I have said before, the dust has settled and so has the nerve, and people just think a bit more carefully when they spend and I don’t blame anybody as there are just conflicts of interest and views from people involved in this game.”

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp backed Keane’s stance on the issue, but reports yesterday suggest Keane will have to take around €45,000 per week pay cut if he is to secure a move within the Premier League during the transfer window.

After both Birmingham and Wolves were turned off by the Dubliner’s wages of around €85,000, it has been suggested the striker will need to demand less than €50,000 if interest from West Ham or Fulham is to lead to an official offer.