Leeds bid £10 million to sign Keane from Inter

Leeds United have bid £10 million to sign Irish international Robbie Keane from Internazionale.

Keane was signed for £13 million by Inter boss Marcello Lippi in the summer from Coventry City but since Marco Tardelli took over the coaching job at the Milan club Keane's first team chances have been limited.

Leeds are close to breaking the British transfer record today when West Ham and England defender Rio Ferdinand completes medical tests before sealing his £18 million move to Leeds on a five year contract worth more than £10 million.

Keane's signing would take spending by Leeds manager David O'Leary to £68 million in two years.

Inter will consider the offer as they try to trim the squad assembled by Lippi and with Christian Vieri now returning to full fitness first team chances for Keane will be rare.

Chelsea and Middlesbrough are also interested in Keane but Leeds have £30 million to spend to boost their chances in the Champions League this season.

Inter are building towards a renewed offer for River Plate star Paolo Aimar in the Italian transfer window next month and cash from a Keane sale would be used to boost their chances of landing the Argentinian star.

Ferdinand's move to Leeds has stalled in a row over money between the player and West Ham.

The defender did not ask to leave the London club and wants a £1 million bonus but West Ham have offered only £200,000 so far.