Spurs accept Birmingham bid for Keane

Soccer: Robbie Keane's move to Birmingham City could be back on after Tottenham accepted an initial €4.75 million bid for the Republic of Ireland captain. That fee could rise to more than €7 million with add-ons and clauses in the deal.

Keane was heavily linked with a move to St Andrew’s last week with reports going so far as to claim he was having a medical with the midlands club. That transpired to be nothing more than paper talk as the clubs struggled to negotiate fee acceptable to both parties.

Now that Spurs have lowered their valuation of the striker – they had been holding out for a figure closer to €9 million – Keane could finally be on his way out of White Hart Lane.

But any potential deal for Keane is still very much in its infancy with Birmingham yet to discuss personal terms with the player. Further complicating matters is the fact that West Ham are also in for Ireland’s record goalscorer and are understood to be prepared to meet his wage demands.

But Redknapp has ruled out a loan move to Upton Park and he will only consider a permanent deal for the striker.

"I think West Ham wanted to loan Robbie but he's not for loan, it wouldn't be a loan anywhere," he told Sky Sports News . "We couldn't loan him out again - he went out on loan last year. So if somebody wants him, they're going to have to buy him now."

Birmingham manager manager Alex McLeish is a known admirer of Keane, who has been told he can leave Spurs after slipping down the pecking order. McLeish has continually stressed the need for Birmingham to sign a quality striker.

He is aware a lack of goals has seen them become embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle this season. Midfielder Craig Gardner is their leading marksman with just five goals.

If Keane does move to St Andrew’s he will join up with winger David Bentley, who has moved from Spurs on loan for the remainder of the campaign. Keane spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic and has had only a bit part role at Spurs this season.