William Keane has been one of the standout players for Burnley this season. Since joining the Clarets from Manchester United in 2015, the England international has made the position of centre-half his own. In his 20 appearances for Burnley so far, he has scored once winning 11 tackles with a success rate of 52%. He has made 45 interceptions, 148 clearances and 29 blocks.
Burnley are 12th in the league table and Keane has played a huge role in that run. Quite a few clubs are already lining up bids for him. The recent to join the list are Leicester City, as their 12-million-pound offer rejected. Although Keane has stated he is quite happy at Burnley and Sean Dyche is under no real pressure to sell this winter, a good deal would be difficult to resist for both of them.
Here are 3 clubs, who are likely to be Keane’s future destination.
West Ham United
If there is one club, who are in need of reinforcements in every department, it is West Ham United. And Slaven Bilic, who is yet undecided whether he should go with a three at the back or four at the back, desperately needs a reliable centre-half who could perform well alongside Ogbonna and Winston Reid. The Hammers have conceded 35 goals in 23 games so far and their defence is pretty leaky.
While James Collins’ return will be a huge boost for Bilic, the likes of Alvaro Arbeloa, Doneil Henry, and Masuaku are still injured and the manager would need to beef up at the back before he resumes the second half of the season in full throttle. And Michael Keane would be more than a good option for the gaffer.
Manchester United
Although Keane has denied a move back to Old Trafford, who failed to identify his talent and sold him a few seasons back, there is nothing money cannot do. Paul Pogba is a great example of that.
Jose Mourinho is desperately looking for a centre-half this winter after his weak backline was further loosened as Eric Bailly left the squad to fulfil his national duties for Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations. Phil Jones is the only natural option as the centre back. Although Marcos Rojo has been effective in that role, he looked quite hasty and Chris Smalling will take long to get into full match tempo after a long-term injury. Keane will not only be a valuable addition but he is one for the future.
Liverpool
Liverpool have serious problems at the back. Although they have scored 48 goals in the Premier League so far, which is the most any club has scored, they have also conceded 26 goals in 23 games. And it is by no standard a decent record for a team who are potential title challengers.
Except for Joel Matip, Klopp has seen his backline floundering quite often and the shocking loss 4-3 against Bournemouth and an unnecessary draw with Sunderland recently are such instances. Having Keane will provide stability to Liverpool’s back four.
