ROY Keane admits he has little hope of securing Giovani dos Santos from Spurs on a permanent basis.

Derek Davis

ROY Keane admits he has little hope of securing Giovani dos Santos from Spurs on a permanent basis.

The Ipswich Town manager would love to keep the Mexican striker, who netted his fourth goal in eight appearances for the Blues in the 2-1 win over Coventry City yesterday, but is not overly optimistic.

Keane said: “You always have to have hope but I have to say if Tottenham were looking to do business then there will be plenty of clubs queuing up for him.

“I spoke to the lad the other day and it is clear he has plenty of options. You can see why because he is a talented boy.”

Portsmouth are among the clubs that have already expressed an interest, while clubs on the continent are also keen but now dos Santos is fit he may push for a place in Harry Rednapp's squad at Spurs.

Dos Santos had barely featured for Spurs when he was allowed to join Town on loan after recovering from an ankle injury.

Although Keane would have liked to have kept the former Barcelona youngster, perhaps on another loan spell, he is already looking to make other arrangements.

He said: “I will be planning ahead without Gio. It is fairly unrealistic that we can bring him to Ipswich.

“I know Harry likes to wheel and deal but I don't think Ipswich would be in there.

“I feel Gio will be playing at a higher level than the Championship.”

Dos Santos was given a standing ovation from the Portman Road crowd when he went off just before the hour after earlier colliding with Cty defender Isaac Osbourne and being replaced by Danny Haynes.