Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have all been linked with the England international – it seems Newcastle United are out of the running this time.
It’s not often so many positives can be taken out of an England defeat. Yet, instead of the usual media post-mortem, the 1-0 loss to Germany in Dortmund last week offered brief shoots of hope – in particular, the performance of Michael Keane in Gareth Southgate’s new-look three-man backline.
An international bow represents the fitting end to a fine season for the former Manchester United youngster. Having being forced to drop down a division and earn a route back to the top, Keane’s solid performances for Sean Dyche’s quietly excellent Burnley have made him one of the most sought-after players in English football, as reported by The Sun.
Valued at £25 million and pursued by Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton, there’s a growing acceptance that Keane has outgrown the humble surrounds of Turf Moor.
Regardless of whether his fee has been inflated by his home-grown status and the lack of top class defenders in English football, few could argue against the opinion that Keane deserves another chance at a top club after failing to make the grade initially at Old Trafford.
However, although the 24-year-old would certainly fit the bill at Newcastle United if Mike Ashley was prepared to put his hand in his pocket, it seems that The Magpies have missed their chance.
The Chronicle claims that former Newcastle boss Steve McClaren, who managed Keane on loan at Derby County, wanted to sign him in the summer of 2015 after Burnley were relegated back to the Championship.
And, with his value and his form rocketing in the past few months, it’s fair to say Newcastle may regret not pulling out all the stops to lure him to St James’.
With the Champions-in-waiting leading a race with the ambitious, Europe-chasing Merseyside duo, even the appeal of Rafael Benitez may not be enough.
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