Birmingham in Keane talks - report

Soccer: Birmingham City have opened talks with Tottenham regarding the transfer of Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane, according to a report this evening.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has admitted he will not stand in the Irishman's way should a suitable offer materialise, but reiterated today he woud prefer to keep him rather than let him go out on loan.

Numerous clubs are hoping to take advantage of Keane's availability and his desire for regular football, but skysports.comclaims Blues officials have already made an approach and discussions are now underway.

Alex McLeish's side are likely to face a battle to land Keane's signature, though, with Wolves, Sunderland and Newcastle all believed to be admirers of the former Liverpool and Leeds hit-man.

Earlier today, Redknapp said Keane and midfielder David Bentley could leave but insisted he wanted a buyer for the former.

"David wants to go out on loan or move permanently," said Redknapp. "He has had a long spell of not playing. He is a great talent in my opinion but it is hard for him. David is a lad who finds it hard to motivate himself sometimes when he is out of the side. He has been unlucky. Aaron Lennon has been in great form.

"David needs to get out and play somewhere for his own career. It is a waste of his talent that he is not playing.

"Robbie is the same. He needs to play. He can play at the top level. A loan wouldn't be an option for Robbie now, it would need to be a permanent move. If they are happy to stay here then I am happy to keep them but I just get the feeling with those two lads especially that they want to get out and play some football."

A fee of around €6 million is likely to be required to convince Spurs to sell.

Spurs will also look to secure Jonathan Woodgate a loan move to a Championship club to help the defender return to action after more than a year sidelined by a groin injury.

"There would be plenty of people interested, for sure," said Redknapp. "He is one of the best centre halves in the country if he is fit. I think he'd be happy to go and play in the Championship on loan because he has been out for a while. That would probably suit us better.