West Ham confirm loan deal for Tottenham's Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane Photo

Relegation-threatened West Ham have completed the loan signing of striker Robbie Keane from Premier League rivals Tottenham until the end of the season.

The Hammers say they have an option to extend the 30-year-old Republic of Ireland international's deal by two years if they avoid relegation.

"We're delighted to sign a world-class striker," chairman David Gold said.

Keane added: "I feel I have plenty left to offer at the highest level for at least the next four or five years."

West Ham have also recruited defender Wayne Bridge, midfielder Gary O'Neil and striker Demba Ba during the January transfer window.

Keane has had limited first-team opportunities since returning to White Hart Lane for a second spell with the north Londoners from Liverpool at the start of 2009.

"When I went on loan to Celtic I scored 17 goals in 19 games and if I can do even half as well as I did there, then I'll be happy," continued Keane, referring to his loan spell with the Glasgow club last season.

Hammers boss Avram Grant added: "Keane is not just a good player, he is a good character that we need in the next 14 games."

The Upton Park side, who are bottom of the Premier League, signed forward Demba Ba from Hoffenheim on Friday.

Gold said: "Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy drives a hard bargain but we've got our man."Keane, who attended the Hammers' 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, will earn in the region of £70,000 a week.

Despite the deal, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp does not expect his midfield target Scott Parker to move in the opposite direction.

"Scott Parker? No chance," the Tottenham manager stated. "I love Scott Parker but we haven't got a chance with him."

Gold has said that West Ham would resist any offers for the likes of Parker and defender Matthew Upson.

"Nobody can leave. You can see our situation. We would fight off any club pursuing our players," Gold stated.

"The next 14 games will be as important a 14 games as there have been in the history of the football club."

West Ham's plight was not helped by intense speculation earlier in January that Grant is on the verge on being sacked as manager, with Martin O'Neill lined up to replace him.

But Gold insisted: "I can tell you now that we have a board that is fully behind Avram.

"We have a major board meeting every two or three months and Avram's name did not come up in the meeting. I think that speaks volumes. He's our man."