The England international has starred for Burnley but his deal runs out next summer – meaning Everton may be forced to overpay.
When you’re in the market for a young, homegrown player with an England call-up to his name, expect to add a few extra pounds onto your bid.
Michael Keane may have emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders this season but, even still, reports in the Daily Mirror that Everton will have to pay £25 million to sign him in the summer sum up just how overpriced English footballers have become.
The publication claims that Ronald Koeman has identified Burnley’s formidable centre-back as his priority transfer target and, despite interest from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and former club Manchester United, The Toffees are leading the chase for his signature.
With Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams hitting their mid-30s and an injury to Ramiro Funes Mori highlighting the lack of depth in reserve, Everton are crying out for long-term reinforcements at the back and Keane certainly fits the bill.
A run of seven games without a win means Sean Dyche’s Burnley are not sitting quite as comfortably with a month of the season to go, now just five points above the drop zone. However, the fact that they have spent the majority of the campaign free from the relegation battle owes much to Keane’s dependable performances in the backline.
Yet, with his contract due to expire next summer, The Clarets’ demands for £25 million seems brazen to say the least.
The Liverpool Echo reports that Everton are still some way from matching Burnley’s valuation and would prefer not to pay any more than £15 million.
However, you get the feeling that The Toffees cannot afford to let Keane run his contract down before attempting to snare him on a free in 2018. The likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are desperate for defensive reinforcements, so much so that they may not be so picky about the fee.
Therefore, Everton could be railroaded into overpaying if they want their man.
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