OPINION
Everton fans should be concerned with a report that Leicester City could potentially make a move for defender Michael Keane this summer, if they lose Harry Maguire during the transfer window.
Leicester’s England international centre-back Maguire has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Manchester City reportedly wanting the 26-year-old to replace the departing Vincent Kompany, according the Daily Mail.
According to a report from the Leicester Mercury, it has now emerged that Keane is a target for Leicester City, with the Midlands club thought to have had a long-term admiration for the defender since the England international spent time on loan with the club from Manchester United in the 2012/13 season.
That could be bad news for Marco Silva’s side, who should be doing everything they can to ensure they keep hold of Keane following an impressive campaign from the centre-back this season.
Everton signed Keane from fellow Premier League side Burnley in the summer of 2017, after the defender was instrumental in helping Sean Dyche’s side secure their safety in the top flight after being promoted the previous campaign, with the England international signing a five-year deal at Goodison Park.
However, Keane endured a mixed first season at Everton last campaign with the defender being on the losing side in 13 of his 30 Premier League appearances, and the Toffees struggled defensively conceding 58 goals in a season which saw them sack manager Ronald Koeman and replace him with Sam Allardyce.
This season though Keane has established himself as a crucial player in Silva’s Everton side, with the 26-year-old making 33 Premier League appearances and helping the Toffees record 13 clean sheets, including a run of five successive shut-outs at Goodison Park towards the end of the campaign.
Keane’s personal form throughout the campaign has been excellent, with the England international making 5.5 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per 90 minutes, as well as winning 5.8 of his aerial duels and averaging an 80.8% pass completion per game [whoscored.com] in the Premier League.
Therefore, Everton will be wanting to retain the services of the centre-back, who still has three-years left on his current contract worth £60,000-a-week [Spotrac], and the club’s supporters will be hoping that if any offer is made for the 26-year-old then the Toffees make sure they convince Keane to stay with the club.