Everton stand as firm favourites to land Michael Keane
Everton stand as favourites to land Michael Keane after a switch to Manchester United did not materialise.
Jose Mourinho’s first choice target Victor Lindelof was completing a medical at Carrington yesterday ahead of his £30.7million move from Benfica.
England international Keane wants to kick on with regular first-team football after drawing widespread plaudits last season.
Michael Keane looks odds-on to go to Everton this summer after an impressive season
Keane has an admirer in Ronald Koeman, but Everton have yet to formalise their interest
The Burnley central defender has an admirer in Ronald Koeman, but Everton have yet to formalise their interest with the Clarets.
Liverpool are also monitoring Keane’s situation, with the 24-year-old still expected to leave Turf Moor in the coming weeks.
Burnley have the option of allowing Keane to run the final year of his contract down should a transfer not come off.
Burnley could allow Keane to run the final year of his contract down should a transfer not come
Their chances of preserving a Premier League spot - and the riches that comes with - would be severely enhanced in the unlikely event of Keane staying. That would, however, represent a gamble for a player worth around £25million.
Meanwhile, Everton director of football Steve Walsh was spotted in Milan yesterday for talks with Serie A sides over potential targets as Koeman plots an assault on the top six.
A striker is top of their agenda, given the likelihood of Romelu Lukaku departing for Chelsea. AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca is said to be on their radar.