Keane completes Galaxy switch

Robbie Keane has completed his transfer to the Los Angeles Galaxy, Tottenham announced last night.

Keane had been in discussions with the MLS club over a move after it became clear that he was surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.

The Republic of Ireland captain admitted earlier this week that he thought his time at Tottenham was coming to an end, and the move to join David Beckham’s team in a £3.5 million transfer was finally completed last night.

Negotiations between the two parties had been held up by MLS rules, which state that any franchise must have only three high-earning squad members, known as “designated players”.

The Galaxy currently have David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel registered as theirs, but former Aston Villa striker Angel is thought to be negotiating a release from the club. Keane’s departure brings to an end his second spell at White Hart Lane. The 31-year-old made 254 appearances for Spurs during his first stint between 2002 and 2008, during which time he scored 107 goals and quickly became a fans’ favourite.

He then moved to Liverpool for £20 million but returned to north London within six months after failing to impress at Anfield.

Keane played regularly under Harry Redknapp during his first season back but he went on a six-month loan to Celtic in January 2010 and the arrival of Rafael Van der Vaart last summer reduced his first-team opportunities and he was shipped out on loan again – to West Ham – where he could do little to prevent the side being relegated.

Keane revealed that a chat with new team-mate Beckham was key to persuading him to move to the United States.

“I am delighted, honoured and very excited to be joining the LA Galaxy,” Keane told The Galaxy’s website. “I have always wanted to come and play in MLS so it’s the perfect combination for me and a dream come true.

“My family and I have already been made to feel very welcome in telephone calls from (Galaxy owner) Tim Leiweke and (manager) Bruce Arena.

“Also when David Beckham came and trained at Spurs (in January) recently he couldn’t speak highly enough about the Galaxy, their fans and the league in general, so I can’t wait to get over and get started.”

Galaxy will be the ninth club of a chequered career for Keane, who had a brief spell with Inter Milan. He added: “I have already discussed football with Bruce and I know exactly what he wants from me. I am fit, fresh and ready to go. I’ve come here to score goals and help this team achieve their goals.”

Arena, whose side currently top the Western Conference of the MLS, added: “Robbie Keane will be a great addition to our club. I have followed his career and have always respected his ability.”