Robbie Keane has slammed Birmingham’s bid to ‘sign’ him as a publicity stunt.
Alex McLeish’s side went public on Monday claiming to have pulled out of the deal but according to the former Celtic striker any ‘move’ to St Andrews was a non-runner with personal talks not getting off the ground.
“That Birmingham stuff, that statement from them I find very bizarre, to be honest with you,” Keane explained.
“Apart from that a deal was never really on the table, I think they were just looking for some publicity.
“The Birmingham thing was never on in the first place. That stuff that was said (that a deal was close according to the Birmingham website) was very strange, that was never going to happen.”
Explaining why the ‘deal’ had fallen through Birmingham claimed: “Everyone knows he is a tremendous player but having considered the overall package (one which certainly wasn’t unfair on the part of his representatives to ask for given his talent and experience), Keane’s age and the length of contract, we felt financially he wasn’t the best option available.”
Spurs are looking for a permanent transfer but Keane is unlikely to be rushed into any move that doesn’t suit him and has 18 months left on his Tottenham contract.
With Celtic linked with various strikers including Kevin Phillips, James Vaughan, Erik Huseklepp and Itay Shechter a loan deal for Keane can’t be ruled out.
After looking into a move to Alex McLeish’s relegation haunted side the prospect of returning to a Celtic side chasing three trophies must be more appealing than ever.
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