Everton leading chase for Burnley and England defender Michael Keane

Ronald Koeman’s Everton are willing to match Burnley’s £25 million asking price for highly-rated defender Michael Keane, according to The Daily Express.

The 24-year-old has been one of the many bright sparks in the Clarets’ return to the top-flight this season, starting all 33 of their Premier League matches and being part of a backline which has conceded just 47 goals, only Middlesbrough have conceded fewer of those teams in the bottom half.

An excellent England debut against Germany last month and then another fine display against Lithuania four days later has risen Keane’s stock, and if he had suitors prior to that national call-up, they are only going to be even keener now.

And it appears that Koeman’s Everton are the frontrunners to land the centre-back, and The Express have reported that they are willing to stump up the £25 million Burnley want for the 24-year-old.

The Toffees are slightly short of defensive options at present following the long-term injuries to Seamus Coleman and Ramiro Funes Mori, and with the future of captain Phil Jagielka also far from certain, Koeman will be looking to strengthen that area this summer.

And Keane has proven, at both club and international level, that he is a more than capable centre-back, and it speaks volumes when Everton’s North West rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United are also believed to be keeping tabs on the England star.

Nonetheless, it is Everton who look to be leading the chase, and will surely look to get a deal wrapped up early in the transfer window this summer.