Tottenham have battle to keep Robbie Keane

By Steve Wilson

Tottenham have a fight on their hands to hold on to vice-captain and
striker Robbie Keane this summer.

Keane, a popular figure with both players and fans, is reported to have
told the club's management that he wants to leave White Hart Lane after a
move to Liverpool was mooted last week.

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez made an intial inquiry by offering a player
plus cash deal of Peter Crouch and £5 million to sign the Republic of
Ireland international.

The club rebuffed the offer and Spurs coach Juande Ramos is reluctant to
lose one of his most consistent performers, especially at a time when he is
trying to offload £17m flop Darren Bent and the future of Dimitar Berbatov
remains clouded in uncertainty.

Keane scored 24 goals in all competitions last season and has been an
integral part of the side since signing from Leeds United for £7m six years
ago.

If Keane was to leave, Ramos would have to buy a completely new front line
for next season, though with considerable funds to chase long term-targets
David Villa and Lukas Podolski.

Liverpool are locked in a protracted round of negotiations with Aston Villa
over Gareth Barry and have limited funds to rush things through.

Tottenham do not need to sell before they can buy this summer as Ramos
continues to overhaul the squad he inherited mid-way through last season.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson's assertion that Manchester United are
interested in making just a single, major signing this summer has raised
once more the possibility that Berbatov could, at the third time of asking,
be lured to Old Trafford.

Twice before, most recently last summer, Ferguson has inquired about the
Bulgarian's availability only to be told by Tottenham that he is not for sale.

Tottenham value Berbatov at £30 million whilst United are willing to pay
around £23 million and will not be forced to pay over the odds despite
having money available to spend.

Asked about his transfer plans, Ferguson said: "There could be some
dialogue, but I wouldn't think any more than one player. People think it's
easy to buy players nowadays but it's not - money plays a big part.

"Clubs with ambition don't want to sell their best players so it's not as
easy as you think."

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