Aston Villa are ready to splash out a million dollars on Irish captain Robbie Keane – for just six games!

The English Premier League club are close to a loan deal with the LA Galaxy for their star striker.

Keane’s short term contract will include a clause guaranteeing his return to America at the end of February.

That means he could play as few as six matches for the Midlands club who failed to land him in a permanent move a year ago.

But Villa boss Alex McLeish believes the deal, worth a million to Keane and the Galaxy, will be money well spent if the Dubliner hits the net.

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McLeish said: “Robbie has got massive experience as a striker. That’s first and foremost. He is a great character as well.

“Players can enlighten the dressing room as well, and these factors are all so important in this professional game.

“I just think the glove fits. He can score goals. He is capable of hurting other teams with his team play.

But, as it just so happens, he is also one of the brighter guys around football and has been for a long, long time.”

With the Everton game on January 14th already earmarked for Keane’s debut, McLeish wants to sort the deal out by Monday.

He added: “We are having a look at it and trying to pursue it. That is the latest although nothing is done and dusted yet.

“If we don’t know by Monday, then it probably will not be done. We are certainly pursuing it and at the moment, both parties are keen. I would say the chances are a bit better than 50-50.”