Everton are keen to sign Burnley defender, Michael Keane. Should Liverpool make a move for him in the summer?
Burnley’s Michael Keane in action
Everton are reportedly confident of signing Burnley’s highly-rated defender, Michael Keane, in the summer, according to reports from The Mirror.
A clause involving Everton’s director of football, Steve Walsh, could allow the Toffees to sign the former Manchester United defender.
The report says that when Walsh joined from Leicester City last summer it was agreed that Everton could not sign any of his designated King Power Stadium targets for 12 months.
Leicester tried to sign Keane after their title triumph, and as a result it prevented Everton to lodge a formal bid for the 24-year-old.
With that clause expiring in the summer, Everton can now make a move for Keane. They are confident of concluding a deal for the player who would cost around £25m, according to the report.
Should Liverpool make a move?
Keane left United for Burnley in 2014, and sealed a permanent move in January 2015 after an impressive loan spell at the Turf Moor.
Last month, the Daily Mail reported that Liverpool are interested in signing Keane, with Jurgen Klopp looking to bolster his defence.
Joel Matip has been brilliant in his debut season at Liverpool, but Ragnar Klavan has proved that he is not anything more than a decent cover. Dejan Lovren has been a regular starter when fit, but he is too error prone.
Also, doubts remain over Mamadou Sakho’s future at Liverpool, and the French defender may never play again under Klopp. Therefore, signing a solid centre-back should be Klopp’s first priority in the summer transfer window.
Keane has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top young centre backs after producing a host of impressive defensive performances for Burnley this season.
His contract is set to expire in just over a year, and the Clarets are resigned to losing their prized asset.
Klopp has shown great desire to work with young talented players, and would definitely give Keane the platform to develop into a top footballer. Moreover, with Liverpool likely to finish in the top four this season, Keane could be attracted by Champions League football.
Burnley’s Michael Keane celebrates scoring their first goal
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