Everton re-emerge as favourites to sign £25million-valued defender – report
By Harvey Byrne
Everton have re-emerged as the favourites to sign Burnley defender Michael Keane this summer with the player keen to continue playing regularly, according to a report.
The Daily Mail have claimed on their website that the 24-year-old has cooled on his desires to return to Manchester United following their capture of Victor Lindelof over the weekend.
This has led to the Toffees heading back to the front of the line for the talented England international, who is also being monitored by Liverpool and Tottenham.
It is detailed that Keane is out of contract next summer and has rejected offers of an extension from Burnley.
However, the Lancashire-club are still determined to get as much as possible for one of their main stars and it is believed Burnley are looking at a deal of around £25million.
Now, Everton boss Ronald Koeman may see Keane as a possible long-term replacement to current veteran centre-backs Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka.
The relatively young defender was key to keep Sean Dyche’s men in the Premier League, playing 35 of their 38 league games and impressed so much that he was awarded his first two caps for England in March.
Football Insider verdict:
The summer is now getting underway for Everton and after already being heavily linked to both Sandro Ramirez and Davy Klaassen, a move for Keane would signal another statement of intent from Koeman and his team. The defender has been eyed by some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs for a reason and while they may not find room for Keane that is not because of his ability, but due to the talent they already have in their back four. Everton don’t currently have this problem with both the ageing Williams and Jagielka marshalling their defence and they will certainly be able to offer Keane the first team football he desires. Therefore, the Merseysiders should definitely consider securing a deal for the Burnley man.
In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees are in talks with this European duo.
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