Former Leeds United star Robbie Keane heading for UAE

Leeds United's Robbie Keane celebrates scoring against Manchester City at Maine Road in January 2001. Picture: PA/ Nick Potts.

The former Republic of Ireland captain left LA Galaxy in November and, as a free agent, has been linked with a host of English sides, including - briefly - a return to Elland Road.

But the United Arab Emirates side tweeted photographs of Keane training with them on Monday, captioned: “Irish star Robbie Keane participates in morning drills.”

Al-Ahli currently sit fourth in the Arabian Gulf League table.

Keane started his stellar career in 1997 with Wolves, going on to play for Coventry, Inter Milan, Leeds, Tottenham, Liverpool, Celtic, West Ham and the Galaxy.

Last year he retired from international duty as the Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer with 68 in 146 matches.

Keane initially joined Leeds on loan from Inter Milan during the 2000-01 season, before then manager David O’Leary made his stay permanent in May.

Overall, he made 46 appearances for the Whites, although his initial loan spell proved more fruitful in terms of goals, plundering nine in 14 appearances.

When his deal was made permanent for the 2001-02 campaign, he gradually found himself struggling for form and goals and increasingly out-of-favour. As Leeds ran into deeper financial trouble, was among a number of players to be sold on, moving to Tottenham for £7m in August 2002.