Director of Football David Pleat said: 'We are keeping abreast of the Robbie Keane situation.'

Leeds' manager Terry Venables is willing to let Keane, who is in China with Leeds who play Japan in a pre-season friendly tonight, leave.

Keane refused to speak to Sunderland and is also reluctant to go to Middlesbrough. Blackburn are watching developments.

Spurs had the chance to sign Keane from Wolves three years ago but the then manager, George Graham, opted not to move for him.

Keane went to Coventry and then Inter Milan before he was signed for Leeds by David O'Leary.