Asian champions wanted Keane

The president of Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad has confirmed his club approached former Manchester United captain Roy Keane but the Asian champions will not be signing the veteran midfielder.

Al Ittihad are scouring the world for a big-name signing ahead of their appearance in December’s FIFA Club World Championship and the ex-Republic of Ireland international had been linked with a short-term switch to the Jeddah-based club.

However, the club’s president, Sheikh Mansour Al Balawi ruled out signing the 34-year-old.

“We did approach the player but because of the rules and conditions in Europe, where the player must sign a contract for at least six months, the deal was not legal,” the Al Ittihad club president told PA Sport.

“At Al Ittihad the secret to our success is always the players, we treat the players well and also the management is very good and professional.

“We like to sign the best, which is why we signed Mohammed Kallon, who used to play for Inter Milan, and also Joseph Desire Job.”

Al Balawi’s team have conquered Asian club football in each of the last two years, defeating Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the final of the Asian Champions League at the beginning of November to seal their second straight title.

And while Keane appears to be off the agenda the club are looking to sign an English-based player in 2006, although Al Balawi refused to be specific.

“Next year we are looking at bringing a player who is currently playing in the English Premier League,” he said. “But at the moment I don’t want to mention his name.”