Former Manchester United [ Images ] captain Roy Keane [ Images ] has been sacked as manager of English Championship (second division) club Ipswich Town, local media reported on Friday.

Ipswich, who travel to Premier League champions Chelsea [ Images ] in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, did not make an immediate comment on the widespread media reports but said on their website they would be holding a news conference.

The 39-year-old Keane, who had been at Ipswich since April 2009, leaves with the club sitting 19th in the 24-team league after seven defeats in their last nine games.

The former Ireland midfielder's departure comes less than a week before Ipswich host Arsenal [ Images ] in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final.