Everton v Tottenham:BIRMINGHAM are believed to have opened talks with Tottenham regarding Robbie Keane. It is widely expected the experienced striker will be on the move this month after falling out of favour at White Hart Lane.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that he will not stand in the Republic of Ireland international’s way should a suitable offer materialise.
Numerous clubs are hoping to take advantage of Keane’s availability, with the 30-year-old very much a man in demand.
Birmingham are among those hoping to tempt the experienced striker with the offer of regular football and have already made their move.
It is understood Birmingham officials have already made an approach to their Tottenham counterparts, with discussions now underway.
Alex McLeish’s side are likely to face a battle to land Keane’s signature, though, with Wolves, Sunderland and Newcastle all believed to be admirers of the former Liverpool and Leeds hit-man.
Redknapp would accept a loan deal for David Bentley.
“David wants to go out on loan or move permanently,” said Redknapp. He has had a long spell of not playing. He is a great talent in my opinion but it is hard for him.
“David is a lad who finds it hard to motivate himself sometimes when he is out of the side. He has been unlucky. Aaron Lennon has been in great form.
“David needs to get out and play somewhere for his own career. It is a waste of his talent that he is not playing.
“Robbie is the same. He needs to play. He can play at the top level. A loan wouldn’t be an option for Robbie now, it would need to be a permanent move.
“If they are happy to stay here then I am happy to keep them but I just get the feeling with those two lads especially that they want to get out and play some football.”
Spurs will also look to secure Jonathan Woodgate a loan move to a Championship club to help the defender return to action after more than a year sidelined by a groin injury.
“There would be plenty of people interested, for sure,” said Redknapp. “He is one of the best centre halves in the country if he is fit.
“I think he’d be happy to go and play in the Championship on loan because he has been out for a while. That would probably suit us better.”
Alan Hutton and William Gallas are injury concerns for Tottenham ahead of tonight’s trip to Everton.
Hutton suffered a foot injury against Fulham and is rated as “touch and go” by Redknapp while Gallas is nursing a tight hamstring.
David Moyes claims Everton’s performances remain good despite their bad results – but would happily see the situation reversed.
Moyes’ inconsistent side have slipped back since an encouraging win at Manchester City on December 20th, drawing at struggling West Ham and losing to Stoke.
Everton have laboured for little reward all season and have won just four of their 20 Premier League games. Moyes said: “We’re anxious, I think the crowd are anxious. They’re not happy with the way we are playing, which is totally understandable.
“I’m not that unhappy with the style or the way we are trying to play. If anyone said that I would have to question it. But we are not winning.”
Everton are without England defender Phil Jagielka, who struggled through his return from a thigh strain in the New Year’s Day loss to Stoke.
John Heitinga could take his place if he passes a fitness test on his knee but otherwise Tony Hibbert will deputise. Seamus Coleman is a doubt after a blow to the ribs.
