
Day off: Robbie Keane remained on the bench for
Tottenham's clash with Wigan
West Ham
have joined the race to sign
out-of-favour Tottenham striker Robbie Keane.
Fitness concerns over leading man Carlton Cole as well as Benni
McCarthy and new boy Frederic Piquionne, have forced Hammers boss
Avram Grant into a desperate search around the transfer market for
a striker.
West Ham are pointless in the Premier League and have found the
net only twice all season, with one of those coming from the
penalty spot.
And after missing out on the likes of Thierry Henry, Yakubu,
Loic Remy and Roque Santa Cruz, Grant's search has bought him back
to London, and to the unsettled Keane.
On the move? Keane in action against Young
Boys
But he admits financial constraints may prevent him
beating the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle to the Irishman's
signature.
'The club has big, big debts but he’s a player I would like to
get,' said the Israeli coach.
Any deal for Keane depends on Tottenham's own recruitment plans.
The London club want to bring another body in up front before they
let Keane go.
'I wouldn't accept an offer for Robbie Keane before the window
shuts, not at the moment,' he said. 'We haven’t got anybody else. I
couldn’t afford to let him go.'
Keane has made just two substitute appearances for Spurs this
season, continuing his indifferent form. The Irishmen appeared
rejuvenated by a loan spell at Celtic in the second half of the
campaign and Neil Lennon is another keen to rekindle the
relationship.