According to reports, Leicester City are preparing to make an improved offer of £17m for Michael Keane. The Burnley defender has been on the radar of the Premier League champions throughout the summer and the Foxes are keen to add to their defensive department as they embark upon a daunting season where they will be fighting in the Champions League, Premier League and the domestic cup competitions.
Leicester are refusing to lie down after a tremendous title triumph. They have had their share of much-deserved fun and celebrations but manager Claudio Ranieri will be aware of what they will be facing. The Foxes will be feeling somewhat relieved if at the end of the transfer window Kante will be the only player they lose. With Vardy showing his loyalty by rejecting a move to Arsenal and Leicester pulling all stops to convince Mahrez to stay, it seems they will have managed to partially achieve their post-victory target of retaining their stars.
Leicester will also have to work to add depth and quality to the rest of their squad as the pre-season games against the big-wigs perfectly illustrated their short-comings. Robert Huth and Wes Morgan were the foundation on which the more expressive Mahrez and Vardy operated. While the link that joined the two vital components has left for Chelsea, Leicester will hope Mendy is able to slowly make up for his absence. Huth and Morgan are on the wrong side of 30 and it will be unfair on the two Premier League veterans to be asked to perform throughout on the same level as last year.
And in order to bring freshness and youth into their ageing defence, Michael Keane’s signature has been put on a high-priority list and if reports are to be believed, they are willing to shell out an eye-watering £17m for the player.
ABOUT THE PLAYER
Keane joined Manchester United reserves on his 18th birthday. The youngster won the award for the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year in 2012. He made 27 appearances in all competitions for the reserve team in the 2011–12 season, during which he scored five goals.
He made loan moves to Derby County, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley before making a permanent move to the Clarets. Keane has played in 69 games for the Lancashire club, scoring five goals and notching six assists as he built a reputation as one of the best young English defenders. He possesses good concentration for his age which enables him to cut down on errors during a game. He is good in the air and does not dive into tackles, thus conceding fewer fouls around the edge of the area.
Michael Keane has reportedly turned down a £30,000 a week contract offer and is bent on a move to the Premier League Champions. Burnley are holding out for £20m and refusing to budge on their stand. It will be interesting to see whether Leicester pay up the quoted price for the 23-year old youngster.
