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Keane on list of possible signings, say Real
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-13 10:55
MADRID, Dec 12 (Reuters) - Real Madrid are considering signing former
Manchester United captain Roy Keane to breathe life into their bid to win a
first trophy in three seasons, the club said on Monday.
"Roy Keane is on
the list of possible signings the club is discussing at the moment," Real Madrid
director of communications Antonio Garcia Ferreras told Reuters. "But nothing
has been decided as yet.
"Contrary to reports in the press the player has not passed a medical with
Real nor will he do so in the next couple of days.
"What is true is that the player was offered to the club around a month ago
and because of his characteristics he is the sort of player that interests the
technical staff.
"They are going to sit down in seven or eight days and decide on who, if
anyone, the club will sign when the transfer window opens."
Spanish media reported on Monday that Keane was on the verge of joining Real
on a six-month contract with an option for another and would earn a salary of
120,000 euros ($141,300) a week.
Real captain Raul, who is likely to be out for at least three months with a
knee injury, and defender Sergio Ramos both said they would welcome the arrival
of the 34-year-old Irishman, who left United last month.
"He's a great player and if he does come he will bring only positive things
to the team," Raul told reporters on Monday.
Ramos added: "I don't think there will be any problems with any player that
comes to strengthen the side."
The argument for recruiting Keane, who would be reunited with former club
colleague David Beckham, is that he would provide a new edge to the Real
midfield and revitalise the team in the same way that Dutchman Edgar Davids did
at Barcelona two seasons ago.
If the deal does materialise, however, it would be one of the more improbable
moves in the January transfer window.
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