McLeish eager to tie up Keane loan quickly

ASTON Villa manager Alex McLeish believes loan target Robbie Keane can provide a timely lift both on and off the pitch, but insists any deal will have to be tied up by early next week for it to go ahead.

McLeish admits the chances of temporarily signing the LA Galaxy player are “more than 50-50”. If all goes to plan, Keane could make his debut against Everton on 14 January, when he would face his Galaxy team-mate Landon Donovan.

McLeish said: “Robbie has got massive experience as a striker. That’s first and foremost. He is a great character as well. Players can enlighten the dressing-room as well, and these factors are all so important in this professional game. I just think the glove fits. He can score goals. He is capable of hurting other teams with his team play. But, as it just so happens, he is also one of the brighter guys around football and has been for a long, long time.”

McLeish wants the deal tied up sooner rather than later as Keane is only available until the Major League Soccer season gets under way in March. He said: “We are having a look at it and trying to pursue it. That is the latest although nothing is done and dusted yet. If we don’t know by Monday, then it probably will not be done. We are certainly pursuing it and at the moment, both parties are keen. I would say the chances are a bit better than 50-50.”

McLeish has once again played down reports linking record signing Darren Bent with a move to Liverpool. McLeish said: “The club stance is we won’t sell him.”