Robbie Keane set for Premier League return with Aston Villa
Published:Aston Villa are reportedly chasing former Inter Milan, Tottenham and Celtic striker Robbie Keane from LA Galaxy, in a similar deal that has seen Landon Donavon join Everton and Thierry Henry go back to his former club Arsenal on two-month loan deals.
Keane could be open to the move in a bid to keep himself sharp before heading back to California and building up for the Euro 2012 finals with his country, the Republic of Ireland.
The stumbling block for Villa could be the large insurance payment needed to do any deal, but the Midlands club are exploring the possibility of making the move happen.
Manager Alex McLeish is looking for bargain deals in the January sales window and landing Keane, even for a handful of games, would be helpful for him if the numbers add up.
The news comes after rumours that the top four clubs are sniffing around leading marksmen Darren Bent, but McLeish will be only willing to do a deal should he find a replacement.
If the Midland club decide to let Bent go, they will use the money to strengthen their midfield, having not yet found a replacement for wingers Stuart Downing and Ashley Young, who joined Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.
The Irishman began his career at Wolves before a big money move to Coventry, he then tried his luck in Serie A with Inter Milan.
He struggled to find his best form in recent seasons, but, with three goals in four starts since his move to the LA Galaxy, he could prove to be a valuable signing.
Despite Villa’s 3-1 win against Chelsea, they have lacked the ability to unlock defences this season – something that Keane specialises in.
