Hughes admits Robbie interest

FULHAM manager Mark Hughes admits that Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane is one of his primary targets in the transfer window but says that he will only sign the Tottenham striker if the price is right.

Tottenham had agreed to sell the 30-year-old to Birmingham City for a fee of around €8.4m after Keane fell down the pecking order at White Hart Lane.

But Ireland’s record scorer was unable to agree personal terms at St Andrew’s, giving Fulham hope they could steal a march on their rivals by signing a player who has scored over 250 career goals.

Yet with Keane thought to earn €96,000 per week, the finances of the deal will dictate whether the Dublin-born striker moves to Craven Cottage, although Hughes admits that the player’s desire to remain in London could help his side’s cause.

“A lot of players are being mentioned, and a lot of them are good players, players I admire,” said Hughes when asked directly about Keane.

“But sometimes the deal to bring certain players in can be a little bit prohibitive, certainly for a club like ours.

“Would Robbie being keen to stay in London help Fulham? Well that gives us a competitive advantage, I would suggest.

“Fulham is in a nice part of the world. That helps in acquisitions. There are clubs where it is more difficult to attract players to the area, but we don’t have that problem when we are based in London.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknap, meanwhile, has admitted it is entirely Keane’s choice who he joins.

“It’s up to Robbie,” said Redknapp. “He can do what he wants, he can stay and fight for his place, or if he wants a permanent move to a club that can guarantee him regular football then he can move if the fee is right.”

And if Keane does move to Fulham then he is guaranteed to be playing alongside international team-mate Damien Duff after Hughes ruled out selling the winger.

Blackburn went public with their interest in bringing the 31-year-old back to Ewood Park, seven-and-a-half years after he left for Chelsea in a €20.3m deal.

Yet Hughes, who played alongside Duff at Blackburn, insists he will not be selling one of his star players, even though Duff has been unable to command a regular place in the side this season.

“Damien isn’t available,” said Hughes.“Allowing a player of the quality of Damien Duff to leave would be bad management — I’m not about to do that.

“There was something in the press about it, and I think they were trying to make contact with me to have a discussion about the situation.

“I pre-empted that so there was no conversation to be had — he is part of what we are doing, so it (Duff leaving) isn’t an option.

“The conversation doesn’t have to take place.

“As with all players here, Damien is contracted to Fulham, and we will look at every individual circumstance.

“But we will protect Fulham’s interests and that is part of my job.”