Richard Dunne is pushing Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill to buy his Republic of Ireland teammate Robbie Keane from Tottenham.
The Daily Express says Celtic manager Neil Lennon has not given up hope of persuading Keane to return to Parkhead after last season's four-month loan spell, when he scored 16 goals.
But O'Neill will make his move as soon as Spurs return from their trip to America.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is on the lookout for new striking talent as he prepares to take the club into the Champions League for the first time.
He paid out £12million to bring Keane, 30, from Liverpool two seasons ago, but it is believed he is now willing to accept half that amount to get the £65,000-a-week man off his payroll.
Keane, who has just turned 30, has been involved in almost £80m worth of transfers since he made his breakthrough at Wolves in 1997. The much-travelled frontman has had two spells at Spurs and has also played for Coventry, Leeds and Italian giants Inter Milan.
