Premier League News – Robbie Keane not to be loaned, Di Matteo expects Graham Dorrans to stay
In the previous season, the former Liverpool striker, Robbie Keane spent a season long loan at Celtics. This was perhaps due to the fact that Hotspurs had other plans, playing Crouch and Defoe. Keane had a good season at Celtics, scoring 12 times in 18 appearances. The Celtics are again interested in hiring the Ireland international for a short term deal.
However Spur’s manager, Harry Redknapp, hopes to keep Keane at White Hart lane, and expects the player to kick start his career in the new season. It may be hard for the thirty year old to find a regular team spot, owing to the sheer depth the Spurs enjoy, but Redknapp will consider selling the player permanently rather than on more loan terms.
He added that Spurs paid a lot of money for the player, and will want some sort of return on that money. They will want to utilize the player’s potential and not loan him out again like in the previous season. He discussed that if the Ireland international was not happy with the amount of opportunities he gets or some other reason, the matter could easily be discussed. It can be determined whether the player wants to move, or there are clubs that want to buy him if the time comes but hopes that Keane will make an impact and utilize his talent.
Celtic manage however confessed that if Keane was to be bought, Celtic certainly did not have the finances for the transfer fee.
In other news West Bromwich manager Roberto Di Matteo expects midfielder Graham Dorrans to stay at the club. The midfielder has had 3 bids so far, the latest for a reported 5 million pounds. The Baggies turned down this offer as well for the Scottish, reportedly from West Ham United. This has caused concern in the club who want the starlet to stay. So much so, that chairman Jeremy Peace issued a strong statement, strictly claiming that the midfielder was not for sale. The Manager was also vocal about his thoughts, claiming that the 23 year old will most probably stay at the club, and there were no issues of loyalty with the player.
“We have said it many times, put statements out, and we'll put another one out now. He's not for sale," Di Matteo said. He added that he was also not concerned with the player’s loyalty and emphasized on the fact that the club has already made their intentions clear. He stated that the statements issued however will not stop other clubs to make offers. He added that the player was calm and content with where he is, and should be content with the place where he is loved and feels settled. West Bromwich made it into the top flight and will want to stay in the Premier League for a couple of seasons. He added that the player’s big year is coming up in the Premier League this year and should stay where he is comfortable.
He also stated that it will be better for him to stay and continue his education. He praised the player for being outstanding and that is the reason why clubs want to sign him. He stated that the club, the team, the management and players respected his talent and ability and above all, believe in him. He has a bright future ahead and it will only be sensible for him to stay and learn. He added that the belief factor is considered to be the most important for any player, and claimed that the player was totally focused. He further added that Graham is a hard worker and his time at the club is nothing less than pure professionalism. Leaving the club for such players may cause distress as they may not settle into the club environment. Also players who are already established in the club make it difficult for new comers to make a name for themselves, and are usually seen on the bench.
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