Keane nearing Spurs exit door

Republic Of Ireland captain Robbie Keane, is expected to undergo a medical this week ahead of his £7 Million transfer to midlands strugglers Birmingham City.

Despite being recalled to the North London club by Harry Redknapp after his nightmare spell with Liverpool in 2008, Keane has fallen out of favour and has now been shown the door at White Hart Lane.

Following Spurs' defeat to Everton on Wednesday night, Redknapp revealed that the ball is now in the Dubliner's court as the club have accepted a sizeable bid from Birmingham.

"I think Birmingham have made an offer for Robbie - I'm not sure, around about £7million (€8.2) or whatever for him - and it's up to Robbie really," Said Redknapp, before insisting that the player must leave on a permanent deal rather than a loan, as he had done with Celtic in the second half of last season.

"If it's a move he fancies, we wouldn't stand in his way. Robbie either, stays with us and plays for his place or he moves on permanently but he's certainly not up for a loan again. It's up to Robbie at the end of the day what he does."

Giving that Keane has only made two league starts this term, these words from his manager effectively act as an eviction notice.

The former Portsmouth boss has been reluctant to trust in Keane since he organised a team booze-up in Dublin in December 2009. At the time Redknapp was not aware of the incident, believing that only a small group had crossed the Irish Sea for a game of golf.

Since then, Ireland's record goal-scorer has been fourth in the pecking order of strikers, behind Jermaine Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch. The emergence of Gareth Bale as a serious attacking talent along with the introduction of Rafael Van Der Vaart as an advanced midfielder have further curtailed Keane's opportunities.

At Birmingham this week, Manager Alex McLeish, hinted at the move for Keane. McLeish suggested he was in the market for a striker with more guile, as he already had height, power and speed at his disposal. The striker, about to move to his eight club will hope he can still fill that category.

McLeish remained coyer than his opposite number at Spurs when asked about Transfers:

"It is not fair to name names," the former Rangers manager said. "We are working actively; the board and myself, to try and enhance the striking positions. We know we haven't scored enough goals. That is something we have to rectify in the second half of the season. We know that. We know our targets and we've got to go for them."

There is no little doubt that the Blues want Keane, and less that Spurs want rid of him. The remaining question is whether Keane can agree terms. He reportedly requested a £1 Million bonus from the club, who were bottom of the league at the time, should they avoid relegation.