Fulham have joined West Ham United in the hunt for wantaway Everton defender Michael Keane in the January transfer window.
According to Liverpool Echo, Michael Keane is a target for many Premier League clubs, including Fulham and West Ham United. The English defender is close to leaving Everton after barely featuring under Frank Lampard this season.
Michael Keane could become one of the wisest signings for Premier League clubs looking to reinforce their defensive options. The 29-year-old English defender is unwanted at Everton, with Frank Lampard choosing other players ahead of him.
Keane has been a regular presence since arriving in a £25 million deal from Burnley, making over 180 appearances. Lampard wanted different options in his backline during the summer, and the club did a good job reinforcing the central defensive ranks.
The arrivals of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski pushed Keane further down the pecking order. Besides, the player is certainly behind Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate in that order, meaning he is a fifth-choice centre-back under Lampard. Everton do not need his presence in the team now and could entertain approaches from interested parties.
West Ham United are keen on signing Keane and could make a fresh enquiry for the 29-year-old English defender. The Hammers are in the market for an additional centre-back, and David Moyes is likely to rekindle the interest in the Toffees’ star.
West Ham had a late bid rejected by Everton during the summer transfer window. They have kept track of the situation and may continue to push for a move in the next window. However, as many as three more Premier League clubs are keen on the Everton defender.
Keane may want a switch from Everton to play regularly. He has managed to get only about 22 minutes of Premier League action this season. Hence, any decision will depend on where the 29-year-old English defender might play more than at Goodison Park.
Hence, Fulham could consider themselves a strong competitor for his signature. The Cottagers want to reinforce their backline and bring in an experienced star to shore up the position. Marco Silva is aware of the problems with his defence and may see the wisdom in signing the 29-year-old English defender.
As things stand, many clubs could queue up for Keane’s signature. Everton’s current asking price remains the question, although they might demand a considerable sum for the 29-year-old English defender.
