According to latest reports, Liverpool remain one of the prime suitors for Burnley defender Michael Keane in the upcoming summer window. The English youngster has been one of the main attractions this season with many top clubs queueing up to land him.
Burnley might just escape the relegation zone after spending most of the season in the mid-table. The Clarets have been terrific in their backyard this campaign and it has only been possible for their compact back line. Keane is sure to spark a bidding war given the crisis at central defence among some of the elite sides in the league.
Liverpool have been hugely criticised this year concerning their complacency in defending. The Reds have had a horrid time at the back with the Merseyside club conceding 42 goals, which is the most among the top six teams. And the central defence has been one of their gravest curses with Joel Matip being the only effective option for Jurgen Klopp.
In Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren, Liverpool have two hugely inconsistent defenders, who could let you down against the weakest of teams and perform greatly in big-ticket matches. And fans outrage knew no limits when the manager decided to sit and eventually loan off a talent like Mamadou Sakho to Crystal Palace. The French international has been a defensive beast in Palace’s back line and a major factor in their last-ditch reviving run.
Although Liverpool are yet to decide on his future after he returns to the side at the end of the season, his long unsolved rift with the coach and the club means he is unlikely to stay.
Burnley knows the huge demand Keane has from the top English clubs and they are never going to make it easy for them to take away their prized asset. And Manchester City have totally changed the game last season when they paid a whopping £47.5 million for John Stones. And with City, Manchester United and Everton also in the race, Liverpool will have to bid a staggering amount in landing him.
However, Keane has been one of the most consistent and disciplined centre-half this year, who has shown strength and maturity way beyond his age. And if Burnley are asking something in the region of £22.5 million, Keane is surely worth the fee.
However, United’s interest in the player could be a big problem for the other clubs including Liverpool. A United product, he was sold by Louis Van Gaal for a mere a £2 million that included a clause, which entitles them to 25 per cent of any sell-on fee.
