Preston boss Simon Grayson confirms his interest in Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane

Ger Keville

Preston boss Simon Grayson has confirmed that he is interested in bringing former Ireland captain Robbie Keane to Deepdale - and refused to dismiss reports that he has already spoken to the striker.

There is increasing speculation that Keane will make a move to the Championship with the Tallaght man confirming this week that a decision will be made within the next two weeks.

Preston are clear favourites to add to their already hefty group of Irishman at the club.

Keane is a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy and his high wages are thought to be one stumbling block ahead of a potential move to Deepdale, but Grayson refused to dismiss reports that negotiations have already began.

"I'm not going to dismiss it, but I'm not going to say that the interest is full on," Grayson told BBC Radio.

"If Robbie Keane is available then he is a player that is going to attract a lot of interest from a lot of clubs.

"Would we be interested? I'm sure every club in the Championship would be looking forward to an opportunity speak to him."

When pushed as to whether he has spoken 36-year-old Keane, Grayson added: "I'm not telling you that."

Speaking on TalkSport this week, Keane didn't rule out a move to Preston but admitted there have been no offers from Leeds or Wolves or the cash rich land of China.

"Keep this space, the next couple of weeks and we will see what happens," said Keane on TalkSport.

"I have had a couple of offers in England and abroad. I have had to knock back a couple because it was too far away.

"I have got a few offers on the table. I have had a lot of people asking are you coming back to Leeds, Wolves etc. But you can’t go somewhere where there is not an offer.

"I definitely haven’t heard from Leeds or Wolves. There area a few other Championship clubs who I don’t want to mention at the moment."