Everton could pay up to £30 million for the former Burnley defender.
Everton fans believe they have been taken for a ride by Burnley over their summer purchase of Michael Keane.
Everton signed Keane for a fee “that could rise to a club record-equalling £30 million,” according to their official website.
However, the 24-year-old, who has been capped four times by England this year, is struggling to live up to his hefty price tag.
Keane’s former teammate at Burnley, Joey Barton, defended the Manchester United product on Talksport this week, describing him as a “top class, top drawer defender – no doubt about it.”
He explained: “What’s happened is he’s gone into a back four that’s protecting itself. You’ve got (Leighton) Baines who’s played well in recent weeks but is not at his best. (Phil) Jagielka, (Ashley) Williams – the same. You’ve got the young kid (Jonjoe) Kenny who’s got a lot of improving to do.”
But after Keane’s latest performances, in which Everton were beaten 5-1 at home by the 12th best team in Italy on Thursday, Toffees fans are struggling to see the positives.
Here’s what they’re saying about the Stockport-born player:
Goals from Bryan Cristante (two), Robin Gosens and Andreas Cornelius (two) ensured the Bergamo side finished top of Europa League group D.
But Everton, for whom Sandro Ramirez scored his first goal to make the score 2-1, were left propping up the table after picking up one point – against Cypriot side Apollon Limassol – from their six matches.
Can Keane get back to his Burnley form?
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