Report: Keane nears Villa move

Aston Villa are reportedly hoping to complete a two-month loan deal for Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane within the next week.

Goal.com has revealed that the former Tottenham star has held talks with Villa manager Alex McLeish, and is eager to complete a move in order to keep up his fitness ahead of the new Major League Soccer season in March and the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2012 campaign in June and July.

Keane, 31, has asked the Galaxy to allow him to return to the English Premier League with Villa in a similar deal that has seen team-mate Landon Donovan join Everton.

Thierry Henry is also set for a move back to England, with the French forward set to sign for Arsenal on a two-month deal from New York Red Bulls.

Keane is currently training with Spurs until January 20, an arrangement agreed in mid-December before Villa’s interest emerged. The Galaxy are unlikely to block the loan move for Keane but would need to reach an agreement on insurance, while Villa would be expected to pay the player’s wages in full during the loan period.

McLeish wants to wrap up a deal for Keane as soon as possible, although the Ireland captain is very unlikely to feature in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round clash at Bristol City.

Villa, who would have to register Keane in their 25-man squad, want the player available for seven Premier League matches before he makes his return to California.

McLeish is a long-term admirer of Keane and tried to sign him for Birmingham last January, but the Midlands club failed to agree personal terms with the former Liverpool, Leeds United and Wolves man despite agreeing a six-million pound fee.

Keane instead joined West Ham on loan before moving to LA Galaxy from Spurs in August in a deal worth an initial 2.2 million pounds. A move to Villa would see Keane link up with international team-mates Shay Given and Richard Dunne.

Keane scored four goals in nine appearances for the Galaxy, helping the club to the MLS Cup in season 2011.