Aldridge backs Keane

Former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge has backed Aston Villa boss John Gregory's bid to land Wolves striker Robbie Keane.

Aldridge defended Gregory's move for the £6-million-rated striker after Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson claimed he would only splash out £500,000 for the 19-year-old player.

The former Liverpool striker is tipping Keane to be a Premiership hit and to overtake himself and Frank Stapleton to become the Republic of Ireland's greatest ever goalscorer.

"Robbie is a great player and I'm sure he will be a success at Premiership level," said Aldridge.

"He is only 19 but has proved already he can score goals for Wolves and more importantly at international level.

"He has the ability to make that step up from the First Division and it won't bother him that he will become Britain's most expensive teenager.

"He's too level headed - and it's because he has shown that he can play at the top level internationally which has lifted the asking price.

"I'm sure he will surpass the scoring records that myself and Frank Stapleton achieved with the Republic.

"He will score lots more goals for the Republic and he'll do the same in the Premiership. He can only get better as a player."

Meanwhile, the Nicolas Anelka saga appeared to be no nearer to a resolution last night after Lazio told Arsenal that they would not budge from their final offer of £18-million for the striker.

Lazio owner Sergio Cragnotti faxed Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein yesterday afternoon to inform him that unless the Gunners lowered their asking price of £22-million, there was no possibility of a deal being done.

Reports had indicated that Lazio may have been willing to compromise by offering Arsenal a 15 per cent share of any future transfer revenue from Anelka.