The Spurs player is allegedly a target of Alan Pardew, as he looks to bring in a top class striker, but it seems the idea doesn't sit well with Toon owner Mike Ashley.
Ashley has laid out a path for success and apparently it doesn't include bringing in "dinosaurs" who are over 30 years of age.
Ashley has always said he wants to spend on youth and bring in Europe's best, then bring them through the ranks.
Although Keane is still producing the goods on the international stage, and is available for a reasonable figure this summer, he will be 31on 8th July and that doesn't fit into Ashley's plan for the future.
Being Irish doesn't make you British ... so reports in some newspapers claiming he is "the first British to complete a half-century of international goals when he went past England's Sir Bobby Charlton (pictured above)" is not officially correct.
He doubled his tally for the evening after 37 minutes with a neat finish, and although there was a major scare for the Irish when Ivan Trickovski smashed a penalty against the crossbar three minutes later, Keane's contribution proved decisive.
Victory at the Philip II Stadium was imperative after earlier wins for Russia and Armenia, and the trio remain locked together at the top of Group B with 13 points each from six games.
Giovanni Trapattoni's side host the Slovakians at the Aviva Stadium in September and then head for Russia in matches which will have a major say in the destiny of the group.
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JUNE 10th 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
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