Football
Exclusive: Everton’s Michael Keane Targeted by Premier League Trio as Defender Eyes Top-Flight Stay
Everton defender Michael Keane is attracting interest from Wolves, Leeds United, Burnley, and several Saudi Pro League clubs. The 32-year-old is keen on staying in the Premier League, with Everton boss David Moyes looking to rebuild the squad. Keane has played 229 times for Everton, scoring 16 goals and is set to be a free agent next month.
Chelsea FC v Everton FC - Premier League by Vince Mignott/MB Media | Getty Images
Everton defender Michael Keane is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs, with Wolves, promoted Leeds United and former club Burnley having expressed a desire to sign the player, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
SportsBoom also understand that several Saudi Pro League side have made contact with Keane's agent about trying to sign the experienced 32-year-old centre-back, who is out of contract next month.
But SportsBoom understands the 12-cap ex-England centre-back is keen to extend his career in the top flight, with a move to another Premier League club his preference over a bumper pay day abroad.
At 32 the defender still feels he has plenty to offer in the Premier League, although he has struggled to secure a regular starting place during the past three seasons at Goodison Park.
Everton boss David Moyes is looking to rebuild his squad this summer ahead of their move to a new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium and is hungry to recruit fresh talent.
Keane has only played 17 games for the club this season, with 13 of those appearances in the league.
The former England international signed for Everton for £30million in 2017 and has also been linked with a possible move to the MLS.
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The former Burnley ace has enjoyed eight seasons with Everton in the Premier League and played 229 times for the club and scored 16 goals.
He scored three of those goals this season and has filled in when Moyes has needed him for cover at the back.
Keane started his career with Manchester United but only made one Premier League appearance during four seasons at Old Trafford before loan spells with Leicester City, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers, before a move to the Clarets followed.
He played two seasons in the Premier League at Turf Moor and toasted a memorable promotion back to the top flight in the 2016-17 season, with the Lancashire club having been relegated the previous season.
“We’ll see what happens in the summer,” revealed Keane, when asked about his Everton future.
“I love playing for Everton, but I don’t know [what’s going to happen] honestly. I’ve not had any conversations about it.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.