KEANE TAKES LEEDS LOAN MOVE

The deal, which will see the young Irishman move to Elland Road for the remainder of the season, is with a view to a permanent switch, with the Italian giants confirming that a sale is likely to be concluded in the close season.

An official announcement from Inter stated that a deal had been struck in London that would take Keane to Leeds on loan, with an agreement made for the sale for the same £12 million they paid Coventry during the summer.

United chairman Peter Ridsdale also confirmed the deal, saying: "We felt it imprudent to spend another £12 million immediately, but by structuring a loan formula we have the player we want now without impacting on our financial position.

"He automatically becomes a permanent transfer in the sumer unless we cancel by a certain date. 

"It gives us time to structure the permanent transfer in a proper way and the fee will be £12 million." 

When asked why he thought Keane chose Leeds, Ridsdale replied: "I am told there were nine clubs in for him and I think the manager had a lot to do with it. 

"Robbie knows David and we have Irish internationals in our squad and he knows those lads.

"He will fly over in the morning (Thursday), have a medical in the afternoon and we will try to register him on Friday morning."

The Republic of Ireland international has found life difficult at Inter, following the sacking of Marcello Lippi, being left out of the team in favour of Alvaro Recoba and Hakan Sukur, by new manager Marco Tardelli.

Following the return from injury of Italian international Christian Vieri, Keane has fallen further down the pecking order and he has now agreed to take a return to England.

However, he is certain to find competition for places at Elland Road, with the likes of Mark Viduka and Alan Smith in fine form, while Harry Kewell has recently returned from a lengthy injury lay-off.

Whites boss David O`Leary may view the capture of Keane as a chance to play a three-pronged strike force, with Viduka, Smith and Keane being supported by Kewell.

O`Leary has made it clear that he intends to mount a Premiership challenge during the Champions League break, and this is certain to be a warning to both Arsenal and Manchester United that they will not have a two horse race at the head of the league.

Alvaro Recoba, meanwhile, has agreed to sign a new deal with Inter. Click here to read the story.