It seems as if Everton will now have to look elsewhere to fill their huge defensive void after Manchester United has reportedly entered the chase to land their desired target, Michael Keane.
The Burnley centre-half has been one of the best performers at the back this season, which has earned him a regular call-up to the national team and many suitors among the top Premier League sides. He will definitely be a hot prospect in the summer transfer window as the crisis for centre-halves intensify and certain clubs plan for a huge remodelling of their squad.
An academy product of Manchester United, Keane hasn’t been on very good terms with the club since departing from Old Trafford and a move back will surely be difficult. But, United are known for splashing enormous amounts to get their targets, which more or less excludes a number of clubs from the race.
Keane was a part of the batch with Jese Lingard and Paul Pogba before they all scrambled and just might fancy a reunion with the club. And given that Burnley are demanding just £25m for their most prized asset, United are likely to win the race.
Everton have been one of the earliest of suitors for the player and will have to look for other options now. Here are 3 alternatives who could be as good as Keane and Everton should give a try-
Harry Maguire- Like Keane, the 23-year-old Hull City centre-half has also hogged limelight this season. At 188cm, the English enforcer is known for his disciplined performances and brilliant aerial dominance. Hull City brought him from Sheffield United back in 2014 and he has wasted no time in establishing himself as a first-team player. In the absence of the experienced Michael Dawson, Maguire has held the mast steady alongside Andrea Ranocchia and could see off Hull City into safety by the end of this season.
Ben Gibson- Another talented centre-half, whose impressive displays have earned him a national call-up, Gibson is surely moving from the Riverside Stadium as Middlesbrough looks destined to get relegated. At 24, the Nunthorpe-born defender has a long way to go. Boro has conceded just 43 goals this season so far, which is lesser than many sides out of the relegation threat. The club has labelled him at £30 million. Everton might be willing to pay it given that his contract with Boro runs till 2021.
Lamine Kone- He is surely a departure from the Stadium of Light at the end of the season as Sunderland remains relegation bound. The Black Cats won’t be able to retain his services given the grave financial crisis the club is in and Everton can take advantage of it. Kone can be a beast at the back given his vibrancy and pace, and Everton will welcome him with open hands if there doesn’t remain any big competition for him.
