Pundit verdict on West Ham signing Michael Keane as Everton transfer U-turn mooted
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham will have to “look elsewhere” for a new defender after seeing an approach for long-term target Michael Keane rejected.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Everton may have changed their minds on sanctioning the 29-year-old’s exit after a double injury blow.
According to The Sun (10 August), West Ham have seen a season-long loan approach for Keane rejected with Everton currently in the midst of a centre-back injury crisis.
Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina are both expected to be missing for extended spells after suffering serious injuries during the season-opener against Chelsea (6 August).
Football Insider first revealed West Ham’s interest in Keane on 9 June, after the Irons missed out on top target James Tarkowski.
The England international, who made 32 Premier League appearances last term, is under contract at Everton until June 2025.
Whelan insisted the Londoners need to add “strength in depth” amid an injury crisis of their own.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’ll have to look elsewhere.
“With Mina and Godfrey out for the long-term, Everton just can’t afford to let him go – even if they were open to doing so before.
“Things have changed now. Circumstances have changed.
“I can’t see that one happening any time soon. They need as many centre-backs around as possible. They’ve signed one, but it’s not enough.
“They need that cover and that strength in depth.
“West Ham will have to look somewhere else, either to the Championship or someone who is on the fringes in the Premier League.”
In other news, medical expert issues Lukasz Fabianski injury claim after West Ham latest.