Everton are set to complete the signing of Burnley defender Michael Keane within the “next couple of days”, an insider has revealed.
The Toffees have been hot on the heels of the 24-year-old for some time, after manager Ronald Koeman identified a new centre-back as one of his priority signings this summer.
A report by the Sun claims that Everton are prepared to meet Burnley’s £25million valuation for the England international, which could see the club’s summer spending move close to £80million.
The Clarets have been reluctant to let their star asset leave the club, but they have been told by the player that he wants to leave this summer, and Everton appear his most likely destination.
Talks are now understood to be at an advanced stage after an insider revealed to the Sun the latest update in Everton’s lucrative summer deal.
The insider said: “We are expecting the deal to be done with Everton in the next couple of days. There are a few things left to sort out but the deal is very close to being finalised.”
Koeman has had to fight off a number of Premier League clubs for the signature of the highly-rated defender, and Keane has already rejected a move back to Manchester United.
Keane had sealed a permanent move to Burnley in 2015 after failing to make the cut in the first-team squad at Old Trafford, but after an impressive run of form at his new club, his former employers are back in the hunt.
Merseyside rivals Liverpool have also been credited with a keen interest, but Everton now look set to finalise the transfer this week.
The defender would become Everton’s third signing of the summer following the £30million deal to sign goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and the £23.5million deal for midfielder Davy Klaassen.
They are also confident of completing a deal for Malaga attacker Sandro Ramirez, who is currently on international duty with Spain at the European Under-21 Championship.