Robbie Keane: Spurs switch (MatthewAshton/Empics)

Keane expressed his bitter frustration at starting this season on the bench, despite the summer arrival of new boss Terry Venables.

The 22-year-old had been hoping that following his superb performances for the Republic of Ireland during the World Cup he would be given the nod for a starting place by Venables.

But despite the change of face, the story remained the same for Keane as he was subjected to bench duties for the majority of the second half of last season under former manager David O'Leary.

Despite scoring as a substitute in the 3-0 opening day victory at home to Manchester City, Keane could not see his situation improving and so publicly voiced his concerns.

Spurs have managed to knock Leeds down from their original £9million asking price, a sum which was agreed with Sunderland during the close season, only for Keane to reject the Black Cats.

The figure represents a £6million loss on the striker who joined Leeds for £12million from Inter Milan in December 2000.

A disappointed Venables said: 'Robbie is talking to Spurs regarding a deal for £7million and it looks likely he is going to go through. He did ask to go. He stated that last week, even though I thought he was settled. Obviously he was not.

'We are now going to have to go with all the players we've got - we still have three strikers in the squad, while Robbie Fowler is only four weeks away from returning from his (hip) injury.'

Venables has no time himself to us the Keane cash to strengthen the Leeds squad prior to tomorrow's midnight deadline. Leeds, meanwhile, face a trip into the unknown for their UEFA cup first round clash as they have been paired with Ukrainian side Metalurh Zaporizhya.

Leeds are at home in the first leg on September 19, before making what is likely to be a daunting return trip for the return leg on October 3. Venables has conceded he will be taking the match 'very seriously, without a doubt'.