A man with a string of ex-clubs that would have most other players drooling, he's Ireland's all time record goalscorer, he's the 11th highest scorer in Premier League history with 121 and he can do a cracking forward role, who wouldn't fancy a date with Robbie Keane? Well I'll find three clubs that just might be interested in our man....
Robbie Keane - Tottenham Hotspur
I may have got over excited and reeled off all Robbie's credentials in the opening, but to be honest he has been such a good player over the years, I just couldn't wait to big him up. Since bursting onto the scene at Wolves way back in 1997 he has scored regularly if not prolificly throughout his career. His 157 goals in 428 games isn't the hallowed ground of 1 in 2 that all strikers are looking for these days, but as mentioned, he's up in 11th in all time Premier League scorers which really puts him up amongst the elite. Throwing 45 goals for his country into the mix puts him up there in potentially legendary status. However, enough of the facts and figures, Robbie has fallen out of love after his career went some what off the rails with a move to Liverpool in 2008. He seemed to have hit the height of his powers for Spurs and got his dream move to Anfield, but it just didn't work out there, and he returned to White Hart Lane, but hasn't recaptured his form since. It's tempting to think that Robbie is past it and will be scouring the retirement home for a date, but he's only 30 years old and has some life in him yet, so let's find him a young fily to recapture his form and loving feeling......
Aston Villa?????
The Villains are definitely in the hunt for a new striker. Whatever Houllier says in the press, he doesn't get on with Carew and will not put any faith in him, Heskey is not the answer to any question, unless it's who should be playing in the Championship nowadays? Agbonlahor has lost his form quite badly in the last year and a half, and Delfouneso isn't being risked regularly in the first team yet. Potentially Agbonlahor and Delfouneso could go on to be very good Premier League strikers but Houllier needs a quick fix and Robbie could well be it. Robbie is lacking form and confidence, but a run in any first team would get him scoring again, and with the service that would certainly be provided by the likes of Ashley Young and Stuart Downing he could get back to his best. If Houllier is wanting to bring his two young strikers on effectively, a presence like Robbie Keane in the dressing room will only help him, and will certainly be more of an inspirational figure than Heskey or Carew. Villa are also under-performing so far this term and the signing of Robbie, who is still a big name, might just be a catalyst to turn their season round. Will Robbie go back to his roots in the Midlands, maybe he'll fancy a French connection with Gerard......
Fulham?????
If we thought Villa needed a striker, it's nothing compared to the Cottagers' need. Andy Johnson is a good forward but has been injured for so long it is going to take time for him to regain any form. We've seen Eddie Johnson and Diamansy Kamara so far this season, which shows Mark Hughes' desperation and the goal scoring burden seems to be falling almost entirely on the likes of Clint Dempsey and Zoltan Gera. This has got to push Hughes into the market for a stiker in January and an available and potentially cut-price Robbie Keane would be very welcome at Craven Cottage. This could well be a necessity rather than a luxury for Fulham, as they slip further and further towards the relegation battle and their lack of goals will soon turn from a problem into a crisis. Fulham would certainly be the doting wife if Robbie struck up a relationship with them, they need him, but will this intice Robbie to move from North to West London?????
Newcastle United?????
It's been a very impressive return to the Premier League that Newcastle have made, and I think they'll be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table with some more Premier League quality and a man who has scored so many goals in the top flight would certainly give them that. The Magpies are playing Carroll and Ameobi up top together regularly this season which is a tactic that is getting them results for now, but playing it long up to two big men is probably a tactic Chris Hughton has been using to establish themselves in the league before playing a more attractive brand of football when they have a foothold in the division. Big Shola is still not a Premier League quality striker as well, and there's no doubt that Robbie would be a significant improvement on him. Hughton also has strong links with Spurs, that could just swing any potential deal his way. Will Newcastle get their mini-skirt on and get hammered in time honoured fashion looking to attract Robbie's attention?????
So who's getting off in the cloak room at the Christmas party?????
Robbie has got bags more goals in him yet, and with his character, will be determined to prove it until he physically can't get himself onto a pitch anymore. It will just take someone to boost his confidence back to where it should be and that could see him becoming the bargain of the year as he could well be available for just £6 million. I think the confidence issue will be improved the most if he goes to a club on the up, and I'm afraid there's only one of the three clubs mentioned that look like they're heading in the right direction and that's Newcastle. With the rise and rise of Andy Carroll continuing, a partnership with Robbie could be lethal for the Toon, and really re-establish them as a force in the league. He would also be loved by the Newcastle faithful and that is only going to have a positive affect on his game. So can Robbie and Newcastle hook up next month? Let's all hope so
Spurs fans, is it time for Robbie to call it a day in London?????
Who thinks they can tempt Robbie their way?????
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