Today Leeds United gave Sunderland A.F.C. permission to discuss possible transfer terms with Robbie Keane and his representatives. It was made public by Sunderland that a Fee had been aggreed.
The un-disclosed deal is thought to be worth that of GBP£12mil which was the same fee that Leeds United paid to Inter Milan last Summer, after the purchased Keane from the Serie A club.
But there was a slight snag it may seem, as Keane is again reiterating the fact that he wants to stay at Leeds United in order to fight for his first team place. Competition from Robbie Fowler, Mark Viduka and Alan Smith in the striking positions are just examples' of what the 21 year old Dubliner is up against at Elland Road. But the question is will Peter Reid give up so easily on Keane and can he sell the North east premiership club to the Republic of Ireland international? One thing is for sure and that is that Keane will be guaranteed first team football at the Stadium of Light unless injuries permit otherwise.
Peter Reid can only hope he can talk the Republic of Ireland hitman round (Mabye with some help from Quinny) as he attempts to find a long-term replacement for the Niall Quinn, and a strike partner for Kevin Phillips for season 02-03'. And theres no need to remind him of the sheer dominance of Irish Internationals in the Sunderland Squad: Quinn, McAteer, Kilbane, Babb, Tommy Butler & Cliff Byrne (Republic of Ireland U21), Keith Graydon (Sunderland Reserves), Stephen Capper, Glenn Lacey, Brendan McGill, Michael Reddy (Former Republic of Ireland U21).
Sean Thornton, Tranmere Rovers
The Drogheda born attacking midfielder (U16,U18 Irish Intl. Honors) was watched by Reid and his scouts, in the season 01-02'. The Tranmere Rovers star is out of contract this summer and was reported to have agreed a five-year deal with the Premiership club. Sunderland are still hoping to agree a compensation fee with Tranmere Rovers for Thorntons services. Thornton, 18, was out of contract at Prenton Park in June, and he had set his heart on a move to the Stadium of Light in the summer. The Black Cats have been negotiating with Rovers for a number of months. Although he is a free agent, Sunderland must pay a fee for the player because of his age. No deal has yet been done with the merseyside club, and it seems negotiations are ongoing.
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