‘Leicester set sights on signing Everton player after Sean Dyche update’
Leicester City are plotting a move to sign Everton defender Michael Keane on a free transfer when his contract expires later this month.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 32-year-old could offer more experience to the Foxes defence.
Keane’s relationship with potential new manager Sean Dyche will play a role in the move as he would be keen to link up with his former Burnley and Everton boss.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 25 June that Dyche is the leading candidate for Leicester as they plan to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy in the coming weeks.
The Foxes are planning to strengthen their squad this summer but are also preparing for potential outgoings, with Keane eyed as a replacement for Conor Coady.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 June that Rangers have contacted Leicester over signing Coady, who would be keen on the move to Glasgow.
Leicester eye Michael Keane swoop after Everton exit
Football Insider revealed in April that Keane would “definitely” leave Everton this summer as they have no plans to extend his stay beyond the end of his contract.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted all parties would benefit from Keane joining Leicester at this stage of his career.
“Michael Keane is a very decent hard-working centre-back,” he told Football Insider.
“He has a mistake in him though, and every now and again he’ll make a howler.
“That’s why he’s never been able to establish himself at Everton and has been playing as their third-choice centre-half behind Branthwaite and Tarkowksi.
“He can still do a job, but a drop down to the Championship would be ideal for him.
“For Leicester, they’re looking to bring experienced and solid players into the team.
“It’s very difficult to do that on a limited budget, but they’re looking for a new centre-back if Conor Coady is going to leave.
“Keane would come into their team and play regularly, which he hasn’t done in a while, and that would allow him to step up his game and gain more consistency.
“I think it’s a move which would be the ideal fit for all parties involved.
“Plus, if Dyche takes over as their new manager, he already knows him inside out.
“He worked with him at Burnley and at Everton, and they’ve got a very good relationship.”
Sam Greenwood update emerges as Leeds stance shared
Alongside the addition of Keane, Leicester have a plan to add established and consistent players to their squad to help compete in the Championship.
Brown told Football Insider on 23 June that Leicester are plotting to sign Sam Greenwood from Leeds after his loan spell at Preston North End.
The Foxes are in the market for a new striker after Vardy announced he would leave the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 9 May that Wolves are in pole position to sign Vardy while the likes of Leeds and Wrexham have also been linked.
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