Former Wolves and Coventry City star beaten to football manager's job by ex-Chelsea star

Former Coventry City and Wolves striker Robbie Keane looks set to miss out on a managerial job.

It was reported last week by Football Insider that Keane held advanced talks to become the next manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis. The 44-year-old was in Greece to discuss becoming their new boss after they parted company with Milan Rastavac just three games in to the season.

It's being reported in France however that Asteras Tripolis have opted to go down a different route and appoint another former Premier League player. French newspaper Foot Mercato claim that former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele is in advanced talks to become their next manager.

He is said to be signing a one-year deal with the option of a further year. Should he land the role then former Real Madrid assistant manager Paul Clement could come as his assistant, alongside former PSG assistant coach Raphael Fevre.

Nizaar Kinsella, a journalist for the BBC, said in a post on Twitter that Makelele accepted Asteras Tripolis proposal. Makelele has been out of work since leaving Chelsea's loan department by mutual consent.

The 51-year-old has managerial experience with French side Bastia and Belgian outfit European, but hasn't been in senior management since 2019. Makelele had been at Stamford Bridge from August 2019 to Septemebr 2023, working as a youth coach and technical mentor.

As for Keane, the 146-time Republic of Ireland international has only been out of work since leaving his role as head coach of Israeli Premier League champions Maccabi Tel Aviv in June. He was meant to be in charge of Tel Aviv for two seasons, but left a year in to his deal, despite winning the league, and guiding them in to the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Keane admitted his decision to leave was 'difficult' when the news was announced. Tel Aviv was Keane's second job in management after a brief stint in charge at Indian Super League side ATK. He has also held coaching roles with the ROI, Middlesbrough, and Leeds United.