Report: Everton fear losing Michael Keane to Mourinho; Koeman to request move for Virgil van Dijk

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Everton are reportedly concerned that Manchester United will pip them to the signing of Burnley defender Michael Keane.

Burnley’s Michael Keane celebrates scoring

According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are concerned that Manchester United will now win the race for Burnley defender Michael Keane, prompting the Toffees to take an interest in other players.

The Toffees should be in the market for at least one new centre back this summer given that Phil Jagielka and 2016 signing Ashley Williams are both in their 30’s, and Ramiro Funes Mori could pursue a summer exit in search of more first-team football.

With that in mind, Everton fans are keen to see the club sign a younger centre back this summer, and Burnley’s Michael Keane has emerged a top target having impressed with the Clarets this term.

Now, the Liverpool Echo report that whilst Everton are interested in Keane, they are looking at other targets as they fear that Manchester United will win the race to sign the centre back.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman

Keane, 24, was not only a key part of Burnley’s promotion campaign last season, but has also been their standout performer in the Premier League this season, earning his first England cap last month as a result.

However, with just over a year left on his Burnley contract, many expect to see Keane depart Turf Moor this summer, with Manchester United now hoping to re-sign the defender.

Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk

Keane came up through the ranks at Old Trafford before being loaned out to Burnley in 2014, completing a permanent move just months later – and now, Jose Mourinho appears keen to lure him back to the club in a major blow to Everton.

It’s stated that Everton are looking at alternative targets in case they do miss out on Keane, with Hull City’s Harry Maguire one target, whilst manager Ronald Koeman will allegedly ask the club to sanction a move for Southampton star Virgil Van Dijk, but his £55million asking price could rule the Toffees out of that particular race too.