Sunderland are set to sign Irish captain Robbie Keane, according to British media reports.

Keane, who is also captain of Tottenham Hotspur, has fallen out with club management there because of an incident last week where he brought players over to Dublin allegedly for a golfing trip but which turned out to be an all day boozing jaunt.

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, has stated he will discipline Keane and other players.

Keane has also been in and out of the Spurs team this season and is not considered a first choice player any more.

Aston Villa and Celtic are also keen to sign the Tottenham star but Sunderland have the inside track.

Keane is expected to cost about $18 million, the same price he came for when Tottenham bought him back after he went to Liverpoool for a spell.

Celtic have an interest in the player but want him on loan first which does not suit Tottenham.