Robbie Keane said on Soccer AM at the weekend that his next club would almost certainly be in the UK and that a deal would likely be done by the end of 'next week'.
Preston have been the club most strongly linked, though, Sunderland and Brighton have also been mentioned.
Speaking to the Lancashire Evening Post, Simon Grayson addressed the possibility of signing Keane. The Preston manager was a little less coy than last week when discussing the same subject.
Grayson said that if Keane does sign for his side, it will be for 'footballing reasons', not financial ones. That does sound like it fits with Keane's assertion when leaving LA Galaxy that he has one more 'challenge' to tackle in his career.
If someone is available who we think would improve our squad, we will try and do that,whether that is Robbie Keane or someone from Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City or wherever.
It has to be done within the boundaries of our wage structure. If Robbie wants to come here and we want to sign him, it will be more for footballing reasons than trying to better the wages he has been on at his other clubs.
Whether that challenge is simply for the remainder of this season or will also lead into next season is unclear. Presumably, that will come down to the striker's form.
Grayson also added that he has been pleased with Preston's signings so far this window, including Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle.
In this window we have signed the two Irish boys and Tom Barkhuizen. I’ve been very pleased with them, as I have been with keeping hold of people.
Watch: Robbie Keane Text Message Prank Was The 'Harshest' He's Played At A Football Club
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