Everton closing in on beating Manchester United to £25m signing of Burnley star Michael Keane with deal wrapped up ‘in next few days’
Keane turned down the opportunity to return to Old Trafford this summer following the arrival of Victor Lindelof at United
EVERTON are close to signing Burnley defender Michael Keane, and could complete the deal "in the next few days" SunSport understands.
The Merseysiders are prepared to match the Clarets' £25million price tag for the England international who has made it clear he wants to leave Turf Moor this summer.
The Burnley hierarchy were prepared to keep the 24-year-old and run the risk of losing him for nothing next summer, but now talks are at an advanced stage and a deal could be concluded within days.
An insider told SunSport: "We are expecting the deal to be done with Everton in the next couple of days.
"There are few things left to sort out but the deal is very close to being finalised."
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has already begun his summer spending spree by landing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for £30million from Sunderland and Ajax star Davy Klaassen for £23.6million.
Everton still remain confident of bagging Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez.
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Michael Keane factfile
- Michael Keane was born on 11 January 1993 in Stockport, England
- He progressed through the Manchester United Academy to sign first pro contract aged 18
- Keane had loan spells at Leicester City, Derby and Blackurn
- He made his Manchester United debut in August 2014 replacing Chris Smalling against Sunderland
- Louis Van Gaal sent Keane on loan to Burnley after the League Cup loss to MK Dons.
- The deal was made permanent in 2015 and Keane helped Burnley back into the Premier League in 2016
- Gareth Southagte handed Keane his England debut against Matla ion October 2016
Keane had been linked with a return to Manchester United, but turned down the chance to go back to Old Trafford after Jose Mourinho spent £31million on Victor Lindelof.
Liverpool were also in the hunt for the former United man who has plumped for Goodison Park as he feels he will play regular football with the World Cup in Russia a year away.