Ibrahimovic, who moved from Ajax after an impressive European Championship campaign last summer, is reportedly frustrated with Capello's squad rotation policy. Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Marcelo Zalayeta and Adrian Mutu are all contending with the Swede for a place in Juve’s forward line. Keane, who quit his former club Leeds United in 2002 after failing to secure a regular first team place, chose the solitude of an empty St Andrews dressing room once Martin Jol had made his three allotted changes and it became clear he would remain an unused substitute with twenty minutes of Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham City to go.
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The Republic of Ireland striker, who cost Spurs £7m, is now expected to hand in a transfer request to coach Martin Jol, against the wishes of Tottenham’s sporting director Frank Arnesen, before the end of the season.
"Robbie is disappointed, but that is competition and it is hard when there are four very good strikers. We will sit down with him in the next couple of days and have a good talk," said Arnesen.
It had been rumoured the 24-year-old had been offered in a part exchange deal for Shaun Wright-Phillips back in January.
In recent times his name has also been linked with Aston Villa, managed by former Leeds United boss David O’Leary, and Premiership promotion contenders Sunderland, now under the leadership of ex-Republic of Ireland coach Mick McCarthy.