ROBBIE Keane is set to be the first player to leave Leeds United and a deal could be done with Middlesbrough by the end of this week.

David O'Leary is desperate to raise enough money to be able to hang on to Rio Ferdinand.

With Michael Bridges fit to join up again with Mark Viduka, Robbie Fowler and Alan Smith, O'Lleary sees this as a good time to cash in on Keane.

Sunderland are still hoping to sign the Irish international but after Keane's successful World Cup, Leeds won't accept their cut-price £7m valuation.

The only snag might be Keane's desire to be with a top side playing European football, and he might decide to hang on to see if a bigger club like Celtic will come in for him.

Bhoys bossMartin O'Neill was full of admiration for the Irishman's play in the Far East and pointedly commented to fellow TV panellist O'Leary on the fact that Keane wasn't a regular in the Leeds team last season.

Leeds want at least £12m for Keane but even if they get it, O'Leary will have to wait before he can buy because chairman Peter Ridsdale insists they recoup £15m before they start to spend.

Updated: 12:17 Wednesday, June 26, 2002