WILL HE STAY OR WILL HE GO?

"I would be surprised if Manchester United didn't make an offer to keep him.

"There has been a lot said about the interview he gave and I haven't had the chance to speak to him.

"But reading between the lines I felt he was saying that he doesn't expect to get a new contract at United - although if they did I'm sure he would consider it."

The Independent says:

Roy Keane is more likely to play abroad next season than join Celtic should he not receive a new contract at Manchester United.

The 34-year-old midfielder has also reiterated his wish not to succeed Brian Kerr as the manager of the Republic of Ireland if he is sacked next week.

Keane will investigate opportunities abroad, possibly in the Netherlands or France, rather than at Celtic or in England.

Keane wants to be exposed to the techniques and training of a foreign club. Nothing has been decided yet although several options, including player-coach posts, have been raised. There is still a strong chance he will stay at Old Trafford.

It is understood that Keane believes moving to Glasgow might increase, rather than lower, the attention on him at a time when he is planning a new phase of his career.

If anything Celtic is more of a "goldfish bowl" than United and, additionally, Keane believes his presence may simply add to the pressure on the manager Gordon Strachan who, in any case, may not want him.

Keane's thinking shows how serious he is about becoming a manager.