Liverpool close on Keane prize

Liverpool are confident they will sign Tottenham striker Robbie Keane this week despite chairman Daniel Levy making a complaint against them to the Premier League.

Levy, who has also asked for Manchester United to be investigated over their pursuit of Dimitar Berbatov, has accused Liverpool of approaching Keane and his agent Struan Marshall about a move without Spurs' permission. He was also angry over Benitez declaring his interest publicly in a television interview 11 days ago.

But Standard Sport understands a deal worth up to £20million, with Liverpool paying the full amount should they win the Champions League or Premier League while Keane is at the club, is close to being agreed.

Sources close to Anfield have revealed the club are unconcerned over Levy's complaint to the League and feel most of his ire is aimed at Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who was quoted last week saying it was only a matter of time before Berbatov came to Old Trafford.

Even then, there are suspicions at Liverpool it is a public relations ploy to appease Spurs fans, who are angry they are set to lose the two stars.

The League are waiting to receive Liverpool and Manchester United's response to Levy's complaints although Ferguson has already publicly denied the claim against him.