Everton favourites to clinch the services of Burnley defender
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Premier League club Everton reportedly hold the advantage in the pursuit of highly-rated Burnley defender Michael Keane this summer.
The 24-year-old has moved a long way since his permanent switch from Old Trafford in January 2015. Keane proved to be a key performer for the Clarets last term as they managed to beat the Premier League drop by a considerable margin.
The former Manchester United graduate has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks with the Clarets fearful that they could lose their key defender during the summer transfer window. Burnley chairman Mike Garlick recently insisted that the club may not sell Keane for the sake of their top-flight status, but there is a sense that they will accept offers of around £25m for the in-form defender.
According to Sky Sports News, the Toffees have a clear route to the England international with former club United having shifted their attention towards other transfer targets. The Red Devils have already secured a transfer agreement to pursue Benfica’s Victor Lindelof in the summer, and it appears that their interest in Keane has cooled as for now.
Koeman openly revealed his admiration for the central defender earlier in April, and the Toffees are likely to make a formal approach in the coming days with the central defensive department in need for further strengthening, he said, via The Mirror: “I think he’s one of the young centre-backs with a great future in front of him. He is one of the defenders really involved in the season of Burnley – it’s not easy to score, it is not easy to create against them.”
Everton are back in the Europa League after a two-year absence, and they will be hoping to qualify beyond the playoffs to make a significant challenge for the title, which now guarantees a place in the Champions League.