Celtic 'happy to talk' to Keane

Celtic have opened the door to negotiations with former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane.

The Old Trafford captain left the Barclays Premiership giants by mutual consent according to a statement released by the club.

The 34-year-old is a regular visitor to Celtic Park and has previously discussed his desire to play for the Hoops one day.

Once news of his departure from United was confirmed by PA Sport, speculation immediately centred on Keane’s possible arrival in the east end of Glasgow.

The Hoops insist there is no deal in place for the controversial midfielder but the club are willing to meet with Keane to discuss the possibility.

A Celtic spokesman said: “Roy Keane was a magnificent player and servant for Manchester United but he also knows all about Celtic.

“If at any time Roy would like to speak to us about his future and Celtic’s, we would be only too happy to speak to him, but as yet there have been no discussions.”

However, the possibility of Keane joining Celtic has met with a mixed response.

Affiliation of Celtic Supporters’ Associations secretary Peter Rafferty believes the arrival of Keane would be dictated by the finances available to manager Gordon Strachan.

He said: “It would be a good acquisition for Celtic. It all depends on Gordon’s terms and whether he would fit into his wage structure.

“If Roy Keane is not prepared to take a considerable drop in wages that would be difficult for Celtic to manage.

“There has been a lot of discussion about this even before the news.

“I know most supporters would like him but some think he is now on the old side and he is not the player he was.

“He has obviously had his injury problems and those still appear to be plaguing him but that is my opinion.

“The big question is whether Gordon Strachan wants him and so far there have been no answers to that.”

Lisbon Lion Jim Craig is not convinced the midfielder would help youth development at the club.

He said: “What you have got to look at is would Roy Keane bring something to Celtic?

“He has more experience than all the players, he is a Champions League winner but you have got to ask is he the same Roy Keane at the height of his powers? The answer to that is no.

“Is he able to play even a third of the season through injury? He has not been able to do that with United. Will things get any better next season and thereafter?

“Will he also be a disruptive influence behind the scenes? He occasionally was at Manchester United.

“Somebody has to answer those questions. Will he also take a considerable drop in wages from what he has been on?

“Why should Celtic be the graveyard or retirement home for players who are not at the height of their powers?”