The latest club, who has reportedly joined the race to sign Burnley sensation Michael Keane, is Liverpool. The Reds are likely to be the sixth Premier league club who are planning to land the England international next season and will undoubtedly face immense competition from the likes of Everton, Manchester City, Leicester City, Manchester United and Arsenal in his pursuit.
Burnley have been the surprise package this season, who have collected 32 points with nine games to go, and Sean Dyche would be aiming for an ambitious top half Premier League finish. And though the Clarets have no intention of selling their best player next season, they will be unable to resist any offers from any of Keane’s suitor, barring Leicester may be.
The 24-year-old centre-back has made 102 appearances for the Burnley side since he was sold by Manchester United in the winter of 2015. His brilliant displays this season has earned him an England call-up for the qualifier rounds under new boss Gareth Southgate.
Liverpool’s defence has been hugely criticised this season as Jurgen Klopp’s side is the highest conceding club (36 goals) in the top six at the moment. Klopp has always believed in an all-out attack formula, which explains the number of goals Liverpool have scored (61, highest in the Premier League), but the club has realised as the season progressed that they cannot outscore their opponents every time as the fixtures pile up and tiredness creeps in.
Except for Joel Matip, Klopp has no reliable candidate in the central defence. The boss has struggled hugely with Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren, and we have seen him even playing Lucas Leiva as a centre-half after running out of options. And Keane will no doubt be a brilliant addition to the side.
The Manchester United academy product has had loan stints with Leicester City, Derby County, Blackburn Rovers and Burnley, before sealing a permanent move to Turf Moor. And since then, Keane has established himself as their first choice. It is his partnership with Ben Mee in the central defence, which has contributed majorly to their Premier League success.
Keane was in the FA Youth Cup winning team alongside Paul Pogba and Jese Lingard, but numerous attempts from United bring him back has resulted in failure. He has won 57% of his average duels in the domestic league with a passing accuracy of 75%. His game reading abilities and technique on the ball has made him a complete centre-half despite starting his career as a right-back. The 6ft 3inch frame also makes him quite domineering in the air.
Stats Courtesy- Whoscored.com