Butt is one of the best in England, says Keane
Butt had a transfer request granted by United boss Alex Ferguson this week after finding his path to the first team blocked by the summer arrivals of Kleberson and Cristiano Ronaldo, plus the emergence of Darren Fletcher from the Old Trafford youth ranks.
A host of Premiership sides, including Newcastle, Birmingham and Tottenham have already been linked with the 28-year-old England international, who is looking to safeguard his place in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s squad for this summer’s European Championships.
And Keane believes that whoever wins the chase for Butt’s services will be acquiring an extremely talented player.
“I still regard Nicky as one of the best midfielders in England,” Keane said.
“Apart from being a very good player, he is also excellent in the dressing room, which is so important.
“I am sure there will be plenty of clubs interested in him and hopefully he will get the right move.”
Butt has started just 11 games for United so far this season and just once in the Premiership since the beginning of November.
Unlike former teammate David Beckham, the Gorton-born scrapper has not fallen out with manager Alex Ferguson but feels the time has come to establish himself as a first-team regular away from his only professional club.
Keane can understand why Butt feels like he does but advised his fellow midfielder not to quit unless the deal was absolutely right.
“Unless the right club comes in for him, I don’t think he will leave.
“I understand where he is coming from. Nicky is 28 now and he needs to be playing, especially with the European Championships coming up.
“I don’t think this is a knee-jerk reaction, he has probably been thinking about it for a while because he has not played many games this season.
“He has been a great servant to Manchester United and if he doesn’t get the move he is looking for, I’m sure he will be happy to keeping plugging away here.”
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