Roy Keane is reportedly one of a number of candidates in 'strong consideration' to be offered the position of next manager of Melbourne City.
According to Australian broadcaster SBS, the Ireland assistant manager is on a list of six to eight individuals along with Stuart Pearce, Alan Pardew and current manager of the Australian U23s Josep Gombau.
The A-League side are owned by the City Football Group, the company which also owns Man City and New York City FC.
After the club finished fourth in the A-League this season, they crashed out in the first round of the playoffs to Perth Glory, who count former Ireland international Andy Keogh among their numbers.
Following the departure of former Dutch international John van't Schip earlier in the season, Michael Valkanis took over as caretaker manager.
Former England manager Roy Hodgson was enlisted late in the season to compile a report regarding the club's culture, structure and players. Hodgson is said to have identified a 'soft underbelly' at the club which could be improved by the hiring of a 'hard-nosed' manager. Keane would certainly fulfil that requirement.
The possibility of Keane returning to club management has always been on the horizon. Though, the 45-year-old certainly appears happy in his current role under Martin O'Neill. His departure in the middle of a positive qualification campaign for the obscurity of the A-League would appear unlikely.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
