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Report: Sunderland join race for Robbie Keane, may face competition from Leeds

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane reacts after the game (Reuters)
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Sunderland are reportedly keen on free agent striker Robbie Keane.

According to The Express, Sunderland are weighing up a move to sign free agent striker Robbie Keane – but face competition from Leeds United.

Keane, 36, is currently a free agent after leaving MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy back in November, and he appears to be heading back to the UK in the near future.

The Irish legend hit 104 goals in 165 games for LA Galaxy, becoming a hero in Major League Soccer, and the veteran may believe that he can still make a real impact back in England.

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane reacts after the gameRepublic of Ireland’s Robbie Keane

One of a select number of players to have scored more than 100 Premier League goals, Keane would give any side a proven goalscorer and natural-born finisher – and the race appears to be hotting up.

The Express report that Championship sides Brighton and Hove Albion, Leeds United and Preston North End are all interested in signing Keane, but Sunderland have now joined the race for his signature.

Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane after the gameRobbie Keane

David Moyes’ side are struggling in the Premier League and need reinforcements if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship, with Keane on their radar given that he’s available for free, and the Black Cats have little money to spend.

Sunderland have enjoyed great success with the last veteran striker they signed from MLS, with Jermain Defoe still banging in the goals, and they will hope that Keane can do the same in their battle against relegation.

Links to Leeds are particularly fascinating given that Keane denied interest from the Whites in an interview with talkSPORT earlier this week, suggesting that a move back to Elland Road would be unlikely.

Garry Monk’s men appear to be in the market for another striker to support Chris Wood, and Keane – who hit 19 goals in 59 games for Leeds during the early 2000’s – could fit the bill, but Sunderland’s interest may make them favourites given their Premier League status.

Would you like to see Sunderland sign Keane?