Leicester City have been less than the shadow of their former selves this season. After a title winning season, the Foxes have completely wilted away in every area, sitting at the 14th position with 12 points. They have conceded 18 goals this season and already lost more matches than what they had lost the entire previous season.
Ranieri is looking at options outside to strengthen his faltering defence which mostly has ageing players like Robert Huth (32), Wes Morgan (32) and Marcin Wasilewski (36). Burnley’s Michael Keane is one possible solution to the problem as he has put in some impressive displays in the top-flight already. Ranieri’s intent in bringing the 23-year-old clearly indicates his future tactics. His defence has lost the edge and is need of fresh and younger blood.
Leicester are plotting a bid of £17million in an attempt to land him, according to Mirror. The 23-year-old former Manchester United star has so far rejected a near £30,000 a week contract offer from Burnley and would like to join the Premier League champions. Burnley boss Sean Dyche has however already rejected one inquiry from Leicester and is sticking to his £20million valuation of the star who has already made over 100 league starts.
Burnley will face tough competition from Manchester United, which was Keane’s former club, who have their own defensive woes. But if Mourinho does decide to bring him, Leicester won’t be having a chance to get their hands on him.
Although Keane is not at all interested in joining his former club there is a dispute with the ‘sell-on clause’ in his agreement when United had let him go in 2014. It is understood such an agreement worth up to 20 percent was included and if that is the case then Burnley will have to hold out for a big fee if they do end up selling.
Keane has been really impressive at the back, to say the least. He has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best young defenders this season and has earned a thoroughly deserved England call-up. He was in the team who won the FA Youth Cup with Lingard and Pogba. He is second among the Premier league’s defenders for headed clearances and only Hull City’s Curtis Davies has made more blocks than Keane’s 13.
Southampton is also another club with keen interest on the defender. It is already known that Leicester City won’t get him easily but his signing could be a huge boost for the defence and Ranieri will do everything in his power to add some youth and energy to an otherwise reluctant defence.
