Soccer:Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has confirmed his interest in signing LA Galaxy striker and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane on loan, but is eager to push the deal through by Monday.
McLeish says both parties want the move to happen, but it will need to be done quickly if they are to get the most out of Keane before the resumption of the Major Soccer League in March.
McLeish said: "We are having a look at it with Robbie and trying to pursue it. That is the latest although nothing is done and dusted yet. If we don't know by Monday, then it probably will not be done. That's why I don't want to say too much in case it doesn't happen.
"We are certainly pursuing it and at the moment, both parties are keen. I would say the chances are a bit better than 50-50."
Keane is currently training with former club Tottenham but is eager to retain his sharpness by playing during the MLS break ahead of this summer's Euro 2012 finals and McLeish thinks he would be an idel fit on and off the pitch.
McLeish said: “Robbie has got massive experience as a striker. That’s first and foremost. He is a great character as well. Players can enlighten the dressing room as well, and these factors are all so important in this professional game.
“I just think the glove fits. He can score goals. He is capable of hurting other teams with his team play. But, as it just so happens, he is also one of the brighter guys around football and has been for a long, long time.”
Tim Leiweke, president of Galaxy owners AEG, said this week that any loan signing will be expected back by the end of March, meaning if a deal was to be done by early next week, Keane would be available to Villa for six games, starting with the visit of Everton on January 14th and ending with their game against Wigan at the DW Stadium on February 25th.
Galaxy’s season kicks off on March 10th.
Villa will have to come to an agreement with Galaxy and Keane as to how much of his wages they will play during what is likely to be a six-week deal, while they will also have to organise temporary insurance for one of the MLS champion’s star players.
Keane is on around €43,000 a week with Galaxy, meaning Villa would spend €258,000 on wages alone, were they required to cover the entire cost.
If a deal is reached Keane could face his Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan in his first game for Villa. Donovan has for the second time move to Goodison on loan on a similar short-term deal.
McLeish, meanwhile, is adamant record signing Darren Bent is not for sale as speculation continues to link him with a move to Liverpool.
Bent, Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner and McLeish had all previously rebuffed the reports.
"We've not heard a thing from Liverpool,” McLeish said. “I'm aware of the speculation. But there has been no contact with this club and I think you've had three parties telling you that. But, even if there was contact, we would not entertain that (selling Bent).
"We wouldn't want to entertain selling our top scorer of last season. He is a prolific marksman."
