Everton receive boost in pursuit of Burnley defender Michael Keane

Premier League outfit Everton are hoping to land Burnley’s Michael Keane this summer following news of Victor Lindelof’s imminent move to Manchester United, according to The Daily Express.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old following his excellent efforts at the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence last season, in which time he started 35 of their 38 Premier League games to help them to the 40-point mark and 16th place in the table.

And Jose Mourinho was reported to be considering a move for the England international this summer, thus bringing him back to Old Trafford just two years after leaving for Burnley, yet the imminent arrival of Sweden international Lindelof looks set to end their interest in Keane.

And that is great news for Ronald Koeman’s Everton, who are now reportedly ready to move for the centre-back in a bid to bolster their own defensive ranks.

The Toffees saw Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman both suffer serious injuries in the second half of the campaign, and with Phil Jagielka’s future uncertain, the Merseyside outfit will need to reinforce their backline ahead of the new campaign.

And given they conceded the joint-most of any side in the top seven last term (44 alongside Arsenal), it’s clear that the defensive ranks need strengthening if they are to sustain a challenge to the top six sides next term, and that is where Keane comes in.

The 24-year-old has seriously impressed for both Burnley and England in the last few months, and may well earn himself a big money move this summer should Koeman and Everton firm up their interest over the coming weeks and months.