Italian job looks unlikely for Keane as Juve and Roma say ‘no’

ANOTHER day, another raft of would be suitors.

Any chance of an escape to Italy for Roy Keane appears to have dissolved after Juventus and Roma ruled themselves out of the running to sign the former Manchester United captain.

Juventus general director Luciano Moggi, when asked about his club’s reported interest in Keane, insisted: “The Juventus team is already strong as it is.”

It is especially strong in midfield and while Juve are one of the few clubs that could meet Keane’s wage demands, they would find it difficult to give him time on the pitch.

The defending Serie A champions bolstered their squad in the summer with the signing of Patrick Vieira, one of Keane’s bitter rivals in the English Premiership during his own nine years at Arsenal.

Roma also ruled themselves out of the running, in even more categorical terms than Juve.

Roma sporting director Daniele Prade said: “We have never been in contact with Roy Keane or his agent because he is a player that doesn’t interest us, not now or in the future.”

Closer to home, Man City boss Stuart Pearce did not rule out trying to set up a cross-city switch for the player. “I think this club would like to be associated with good players and Roy Keane falls into that category,” Pearce said.

“Every club in the world at the moment has their name attached to Roy Keane. I think the fact we are in a city where he lives and works means we might be attached as well.

“As long as this club continues to get attached to good players I think that is a good thing.”

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, who played alongside Keane at United in the early 1990s, ruled out making any attempt to bring the Irishman to St Andrews.

Bruce said: “I think he has still got something left as a player. I know him well. I wouldn’t be surprised if something is already sorted.

“Will we be trying to sign him? No, I think we can rule that one out, that’s for sure.”

Bryan Robson re-affirmed his desire to bring his former Manchester United team-mate to West Brom. “Every Premier League manager would have an interest in Roy Keane - but Roy is the only one who will make a decision on what he wants to do.

“I have tried to phone Roy but all I kept getting was his answer machine. If he wants to come to West Brom, I will try to make it happen with the chairman.”

Meanwhile, Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to edge out Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs as United’s next long-term captain.

Manager Alex Ferguson has already narrowed the list down to three, discarding the claims of Rio Ferdinand, who appeared to be Keane’s successor-in-waiting 12 months ago but has been overlooked since his much publicised contract dispute.

He has also ruled out Dutch national captain Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes, who reluctantly took over the role earlier this season.

“The response from Ruud has been absolutely brilliant,” said Ferguson. “His manner and demeanour has been excellent and he has a very professional attitude. I have been very lucky to have had a lot of good captains during my time at the club and Ruud has the right attributes.

“He has his opinions on the game and has always been eloquent in the way he has delivered them. Every time I have listened to Ruud after games, he has always spoken well. He is clear, precise and speaks with intelligence.”