Robbie Keane’s Tottenham career appears to be virtually at an end, with it being a simple case of whether the Irishman leaves in January or waits to see what options are available in the summer.

While Birmingham City expressed interest in the striker earlier this month, the Midlands club quickly pulled out of a potential deal, although it appears that West Ham’s desire to sign Keane is much stronger.

“Robbie Keane is a player we greatly admire. He is clearly available and quality players rarely are,” David Gold said.

“We see him as a potential acquisition. We are looking at all players that are available from top-quality clubs.

“David Sullivan was up until the early hours of the morning still pursuing targets that we have. It will probably go right to the wire.

“We like to think we don’t leave a stone unturned. Our people will go the extra mile to do whatever it takes to try to bring in players that otherwise you wouldn’t get if you didn’t pursue.”