Keane on the verge of Celtic switch

Keane has been linked with a switch to Celtic throughout the window (GETTY IMAGES)

Robbie Keane was tonight on the verge of joining Celtic on loan until the end of the season.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp confirmed his club had allowed the Republic of Ireland striker to talk to the Hoops.

Redknapp told Sky Sports News: "I don't think it's been sorted yet but it looks like it probably will happen."

The signing of boyhood Celtic fan Keane, 29, would top the other business Tony Mowbray has done this transfer window, which included the captures of Diomansy Kamara and Edson Braafheid.

Redknapp added: "It's a good move. Robbie needs to play.

"He's too good a player not to be starting here regularly. He wants to play all the time.

"It's been difficult to guarantee Robbie a starting place at the moment.

"He's not a happy man when he's not playing regularly.

"But he loves his football; he's a great trainer, a great man about the place."

Redknapp believes Keane will relish the move, saying: "To go to Celtic is a dream come true for him anyway.

"I think it's a move that appeals to him.

"He's a big Celtic man and he'd like to go up to Celtic and play like Roy Keane did.

"The Irish lads, it's in their blood and they dream of playing for Celtic one day.

"This opportunity is one they want to take and we don't want to stand in his way, because we're strong in that position."