McCarthy rules out move for Keane

WOLVES manager Mick McCarthy has ruled out of a move for Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane.

The 29-year-old striker began his career at Wolves before moving to Coventry in 1999 and could be available this summer after Tottenham sent him on loan to Celtic last season.

However, McCarthy believes Keane has no plans to leave White Hart Lane – and even if he did, reckons Wolves would not be able to compete for his signature.

“I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want Robbie in their team,” said McCarthy. “I wouldn’t be any different but it ain’t going to happen.

“He went up to Celtic just to get games and my impression is, from reading what he’s said, he wants to play at Tottenham.

“If that’s not going to be then he’ll go somewhere else.”

McCarthy also says he has not made a fresh approach for Keane’s Ireland team-mate Stephen Hunt.

McCarthy had a £5 million (€6m) bid for Hunt turned down by Hull in January as the Tigers hoped their star winger would help secure Premier League survival.

The 28-year-old has not featured since February due to a foot injury, though, and Hull were ultimately relegated.

The Yorkshire outfit signed Hunt for £3.5m (€4.2m) from Reading last summer and given their financial plight, an offer in the region of £3m (€3.6m) is thought to be enough to secure his signing.

But McCarthy insists he has not thought about making a new bid for the Republic of Ireland international.

“We tried to sign Stephen Hunt in the transfer window but as yet that has not been revisited,” said McCarthy.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have confirmed that midfielder Patrick Vieira has signed a one-year contract extension at Eastlands.

The 33-year-old France international joined City from Inter Milan on a six-month deal in January and he has now chosen to take up the option of another year with Roberto Mancini’s side.

Elsewhere, Everton have signed striker Joao Silva on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Portuguese club Desportivo Das Aves.

Officials from the Barclays Premier League club flew to Portugal this week to conclude the transfer of the 20-year-old, who has represented his country at U20 level.