The Clarets defender has been linked with a January switch to the Toffees this week.
Burnley star Michael Keane has admitted he is flattered to be linked to more established Premier League sides amid speculation that Everton will make a move for him in January, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Keane has starred for the Clarets since joining them from Manchester United, initially on loan, in September 2014.
After showing promise in the Premier League in his first season at Turf Moor, he was a leading figure in their automatic promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt last term, missing just two Championship games and scoring five times.
Since his side’s return his stock has risen dramatically. The 23-year-old has played in every since league games for the Clarets, and earned his first call-up to the senior England side in October.
That form has seen him linked with a switch to a more established Premier League club in the January transfer window, with Everton reported to have joined a chase which also allegedly includes defending champions Leicester City and current frontrunners Chelsea.
The star himself has now admitted that he cannot help but be flattered by the reported interest in his signature, although he emphasised that his only current focus is on keeping up his good form.
Keane said, via the Daily Mail: “When you see people say nice things about you, links with other clubs even, it is flattering but it only happens if you’re doing well on the pitch. It gives you that confidence but you can’t get carried away. I’ve just got to keep working hard, keep doing the same things and hopefully it carries on.
“Last year in the Championship was the making of me. I played a full season, 46 games, and it was the first full season I’ve played in my career. To play in that league can be difficult so to come through that as champions gives me confidence.
“Then coming into the Premier League, starting off well and getting into the England squad I just feel I’m growing more and more. I’m loving it and just need to carry on. I feel like I went from strength to strength in my defending last year and that’s continued this year.”
Everton are in the market for a new centre-back, with manager Ronald Koeman growing impatient with captain Phil Jagielka’s underwhelming form.
Keane is a hugely attractive target, displaying such impressive form and maturity still so relatively early in his career.
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