Robbie Keane - loan now confirmed

[eamonn]

It's weird all the Irish posters praising Keane to the high heavens. On the phone-ins over here all he ever gets is grief. I'm glad we're getting him on a country-tournament year as he'll want to be sharp for that. If it had been last year I wouldn't have been keen (geddit?!). I'd rather him than Heskey but I'd rather the Fonz got a proper run aswell so I'm fairly 'meh' on the signing. Hopefully he'll have a hand in trying to boost our goalscoring record this season.

Just keep him and Dunne away from Brum's boozers and make sure he doesn't pick on Stevie Ireland.

[Villafirst]

Deal to be confirmed this evening according to E&S.

They said that on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday! Come back Steve Stride. How come on Transfer Deadline Day (c/o Sky Sports) a player can have a bid at 10pm and be signed within an hour? We always seem to take forever to conclude a deal - even a 2 month loan deal!

[PaulWinch again]

If this drags on much longer surely we should reduce whatever fee we're paying, because he's not going to be in in time for the Everton game.

[Rick_avfc]

Deal to be confirmed this evening according to E&S.

They said that on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday! Come back Steve Stride. How come on Transfer Deadline Day (c/o Sky Sports) a player can have a bid at 10pm and be signed within an hour? We always seem to take forever to conclude a deal - even a 2 month loan deal!

This is normal for villa.  We seem to be one of the clubs that take an AGE to sign a player.  Every other club gets it done quick time but not villa.  The rate they are going, he wont be available for 6 games but 5 as he will prob be registered in time to play against everton

[Rick_avfc]

There is a link on the Darren Bent article on the official website which says we have completed the signing of Keane and there is a pic of him holding the villa shirt however, when you click on the link it takes you to a page with AVFC in the middle of it.

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2573925,00.html

Check it out

[Matt C]

Loan for Keane now confirmed by the club.

[Simon Ward]

Will he play against Everton?

[PeterWithesShin]

Meant to post this here, not the transfer thread, doh!

From Twitter:

AVFCOfficial Aston Villa FC
Aston Villa are pleased to confirm that a loan deal has been agreed with LA Galaxy for Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane. #avfc
9 minutes ago

[PaulWinch again]

Well let's hope he has a positive impact.

[Jimbo]

Welcome, Robbie, now that you're here. I really hope it's a positive move for all concerned.

[Virgil Caine]

Subject to FIFA clearance however- how long does that normally take?

[CorkVilla]

As an Ireland supporter I've been following Keane's career since he made his senior debut for the national team when he was 17 (or 18 I think). Strange player, he can be infuriating and at times extraordinary in equal measure.

One of those players that could do absolutely bugger all for ages and then pop-up with a couple of goals out of nothing. Still a pity we didn't get him ten years ago...

At this rate he just seems to be using his club career as a means of staying fit between internationals. Amazing international goalscoring record, but a largely wasted talent at club level. Hope he does well for us..

[London Villan]

Playing tomorrow?

[Legion]

Playing tomorrow?

I hope not. It's Friday.

[Nev]

Much like Pires, I hope he does well but I fear he won't.