Everton are looking to add a key figure in Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur target Michael Keane to strengthen their defence this summer.
Everton are making significant leeway in the transfer window over the past week with bids for Ajax starlet Davy Klaasen and Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford. And according to Football London, the Merseysiders are looking to add Burnley’s Michael Keane to that list as Ronald Koeman looks to bolster his defence going into the new campaign.
Keane enjoyed an impressive season with Sean Dyche’s side as he helped them to secure their top flight status for the first time in their history having been relegated on the previous two times of asking.
And his performances drew the attention of the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and even his former employers Manchester United. However Victor Lindelof’s arrival at Old Trafford virtually ended Jose Mourinho’s interest in the Burnley star leaving the Reds and Spurs in the race.
However it appears, Liverpool’s city rivals could steal a march ahead of them in their pursuit of the 24-year-old as they look to revitalize an aging back-line.
Liverpool’s efforts of signing a centre-back to strengthen their defence has been nothing short of a joke so far with their pursuit of Virgil van Dijk brought to an abrupt end owing to their illegal negotiations with the player. That has left them with the Burnley defender, Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson and Lazio’s Stefan de Vrij as potential options.
Tottenham on the other hand are well served at the back having posted the leanest defence in the Premier League last term shipping out just 26 goals over the last campaign. But with a Champions League campaign to look forward to once again next season, they could use some solid options in centre-back on the bench as well beyond the comforts of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
Everton, like Liverpool, have endured defensive troubles at the back in the past few seasons and while they signed Ashley Williams last summer, he wasn’t as impactful as Koeman would have liked him to be which is why a push for a youngster like Keane makes perfect sense for the Toffees.
It remains to be seen if Keane follows fellow countryman Pickford to Goodison Park but it’ll be quite the signing for Koeman as he looks to add to a squad that promised so much last season but under-delivered where it mattered.