Leeds United's Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane admits he may have to quit Elland Road in search of regular first-team football.

Keane has been on the substitutes' bench for the first two league games of new boss Terry Venables' reign.

And with the transfer window set to close, Keane has confessed for the first time that he may have to consider his future.

Keane's admission will alert Spurs, who want the �9m-rated marksman and are desperate to sign a striker.

Sunderland may also revive their interest in Keane, despite his refusal to discuss terms with boss Peter Reid before the start of the season after he had agreed a deal with Leeds.

Keane said: "I love playing for Leeds. They are a fantastic club and can offer me everything I want in terms of ambition and achievement.

"I realise no professional footballer can be given a cast-iron guarantee of first-team football.

"I am willing to battle it out with anyone for a place in the side because I thrive on that kind of competition.

"But at this stage of my career I can't afford to spend week after week on the bench waiting for a chance to impress in the closing stages of games."

Venables has insisted he wants Keane to play, and chairman Peter Ridsdale has told him he is under no pressure to sell.

But Keane is clearly growing frustrated at his lack of football, and Leeds have an embarrassment of riches in attack, with Robbie Fowler on the road to recovery after a hip operation.