Everton Join The Race for Michael Keane
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has joined the race for in demand Burnley defender Michael Keane as he looks to strengthen his defence. The young star was a £15 million summer target for champions Leicester City, who retain an interest, whilst Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea side are also hot on his trail.
Koeman hopes to steal a march on his rival bosses and the chance to work with the former Barcelona and Holland centre-half will be a good selling point for Everton. Whilst Sean Dyche and Burnley don’t want to lose Keane, it won’t stop his suitors making their move when the transfer window opens in January.
Koeman has an ageing defence, with first-choice central defenders Phil Jagielka aged 34 and Ashley Williams aged 32. Ramiro Funes Mori, who is 25, provides the back-up but he has failed to get past Jagielka and Williams. Mason Holgate is highly thought of but, at 20, is still seen as one for the future.
Michael Keane has proved he can handle the top flight since helping Burnley to promotion in the summer and his form this season has earned him a number of England call ups under new manager Gareth Southgate.
The new Three Lions boss knows Keane well from working with him with England Under-21s and has every faith in his talent. So, too, does Koeman and he is ready to test Burnley’s resolve.
