Although official documents have not yet been lodged with the Football Association, it is understood they will be handed in some time this week, well ahead of the 18 September deadline.

The 31-year-old former Ireland captain is currently recovering from a hip operation but would have been set to start a three-match ban at the weekend following his recent dismissal against Sunderland.

Last Wednesday Keane learned he would face two FA charges over allegations that he deliberately set out to injure Manchester City midfielder Alfie Haaland at Old Trafford last May.

Apart from a massive fine, Keane knows he could also be hit by an eight-match ban unless he can clear his name.

An announcement that the United skipper would undergo surgery to clear a long-standing hip problem last week was greeted with derision.

There have been calls for the FA to wait until Keane has returned to action before imposing any ban, otherwise their punishment would have absolutely no effect.

By contesting the charges, Keane knows he risks putting his hearing back to a point when he is approaching fitness.

However, he is determined to fight on, believing he should not be punished for what he has dubbed an 'honest' account of his career.

However, United have already announced their intention to change club rules to prevent the situation occurring again.

The Red Devils are to hold a meeting of all staff - including manager Sir Alex Ferguson - to 'discourage' them from going into print before their careers have come to an end.

The whole Keane issue will be discussed at United's plc board meeting later this month.