Robbie Keane could leave for right price, say Spurs

Jul 18 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

JUANDE RAMOS has indicated Tottenham Hotspur could be willing to sell Robbie Keane in an attempt to balance the club’s books.

The Republic of Ireland international has become the Anfield club’s priority this transfer window as Rafael Benitez attempts to bolster his strike-force.

And Benitez will be encouraged by comments yesterday from Spanish compatriot and Tottenham manager Ramos on Keane’s future.

Since taking over at White Hart Lane last October, Ramos has spent more than £50million including the club record £16.6m signing of Croatia international Luka Modric.

As a listed company on the stock exchanged, Ramos believes Spurs are compelled to “balance the books” having continued their spending spree last month with the £4.7m capture of Barcelona teenager Giovani.

And with strike duo Keane and Dimitar Berbatov in particular attracting attention from rival clubs, Spurs have now intimated they may be ready to cash in on the experienced duo.

Ramos said: “We will have to see what happens (with Keane and Berbatov) but they are important players. Right now they are with us but, whatever happens, our aim is to have a balanced squad that allows us to do better than last year.

“We have to be realistic and look at where we are coming from and who we are up against. Our aim is to break up the ‘top four’. Tottenham have a clear philosophy and have had for years.

“We are on the stock exchange and have to balance the books. The idea is to buy young players with potential and talent and if there are important offers for our older players we study them.

“We bought Modric before Euro 2008 because we knew his price could rise.

“We expect a lot from him. Giovanni fits the policy too.”

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion have become clear favourites to sign Scott Carson after Stoke City yesterday abandoned their pursuit of the England international.

The newly-promoted club had agreed a £4m fee with Liverpool but, having held talks with Carson, Stoke have withdrawn from the race after agreement could not be reached over personal terms.

A brief statement from the club read: “Stoke City can announce that we are no longer pursuing Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

“The club will continue to look to improve the squad and remain hopeful of closing in on several new signings ahead of the Barclays Premier League campaign.”

West Brom, who have also had a £4m offer accepted, are now in pole position to sign the 22-year-old.

However, Blackburn Rovers are contemplating a move for Carson with Brad Friedel mulling over offers from Aston Villa and Manchester City, while Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is also monitoring the developments.

Aston Villa had been favourites to sign Carson on a permanent basis earlier this year after spending the previous season on loan at the Midlanders, but manager Martin O’Neill’s interest appeared to cool with Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson emerging as a more likely target.