Everton transfer news: Ronald Koeman preparing £15m bid for Burnley’s Michael Keane but face competition from Chelsea and Leicester
Centre-back was recently rewarded for his performances with his first England call-up
EVERTON will go head-to-head with league leaders Chelsea and current champions Leicester in the race to sign in-demand Burnley defender Michael Keane.
The ex-Manchester United man has impressed in the heart of Sean Dyche's back four this season and his performances earned him his first England call-up in October.
Valued at around £15million, Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is looking to bolster his backline with youth and eyes the 23-year-old is the ideal man to slot straight into his central defence.
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But they face two obstacles with one being serious competition from Chelsea.
, Antonio Conte has his eye on Keane and could be tempted to launch Burnley with an offer if he is available at the right price.
Koeman will also be fully aware that Burnley will not want to lose their key man in January as the club are braced for another relegation battle.
The highest fee they have received for a player is £6.5m when they sold Steven Fletcher and Jay Rodriguez to Wolves and Southampton respectively.
Leicester are also thought to be interested although Burnley would be reluctant to sell to one of their closest rivals as both teams sit just above relegation.