Roy Keane 'interested' in Hibernian job months after Sunderland talks broke down

Roy Keane is in line for the vacant manager role at Hibernian, according to The Times. In February, the former Sunderland boss was linked with a dramatic return to the Stadium of Light following Lee Johnson’s sacking.

He was the bookies’ favourite and was interviewed for the hot seat on Wearside but a dispute over his contract length is believed to be why the move broke down. The fiery Irishman started his managerial career on Wearside but has not taken charge of a club since leaving Ipswich Town in 2011.

Speaking on The Overlap shortly after Alex Neil was appointed, Keane said: “The deal has to be right for everyone. It didn't fall into place last week. It wasn't meant to be. Everything has to be right; the right challenge, the right contract. You have to fancy it. I've not had the opportunity the last few years. There has not been a club where I think, 'I'm the right fit for that club'."

Stints at Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were as an assistant but Keane has expressed his desire to become a number one again. Hibernian are looking for a new boss after firing Shaun Maloney just 120 days into his reign.

The Edinburgh club lost to bitter rivals Hearts in the Scottish FA Cup semi-final, a defeat that caused Hibs owner Ron Gordon to pull the trigger on his second manager this season. Keane is reportedly wary of the way Maloney and ex-Black Cats manager Jack Ross were ruthlessly dismissed by Gordon.