The Everton-linked duo have been exceptional this season, guiding Burnley to the safety of mid-table.
Ronald Koeman is confident of securing the not inexpensive signature of Burnley centre-back Michael Keane in the summer, The Mirror reports, and he should also be confident that Everton’s defensive record will improve ever further in his second year at the helm.
Despite what Roberto Martinez may believe, The Toffees are a far more resilient outfit these days thanks to the Dutchman’s organised, hard-working team ethic and the addition of Keane, a leader at the back for an overachieving Burnley, will only add more steel to an already sturdy side.
The Mirror claim that Everton will have to stump up more than £20 million for a defender who still has not won his first England cap but The Toffees could do worse than to turn their swoop into a spree.
The Sun reported back in January that Everton were leading Liverpool and Southampton in the chase for Clarets’ keeper Tom Heaton, another who failed to make the grade at Manchester United but has been revived down the road in Burnley.
Despite the consistent excellent of Keane, Heaton has arguably been the star of the show for Sean Dyche’s side this campaign and his sensational reflex stop to deny Charlie Austin against Southampton may already have the Save of the Season award lined up.
Furthermore, with Maarten Stekelenberg unconvincing and Joel Robles out of contract next year with no sign of a renewal, Heaton would add extra authority to the backline.
Suddenly, with Burnley’s battle-hardened duo in the team, Everton would possess a truly formidable spine. Not that it would go down too well at Turf Moor mind.
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