West Ham United are reportedly keeping tabs on Everton defender Michael Keane ahead of a potential late January transfer swoop.
The east London club have been linked with a move for the centre-back in recent weeks and months, with David Moyes said to be a big admirer of the player.
Now that the January transfer window is close to shutting, some behind-the-scenes details have emerged regarding the Hammers’ interest in the Toffees figure.
According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, West Ham are monitoring developments at Everton in regard to Keane’s position at the club, with a potential transfer move for the defender in mind.
After making 108 appearances for Burnley where he scored seven goals and delivered six assists, the Englishman joined the Merseyside club back in the 2017 summer transfer window.
Since then, Keane has gone on to feature 189 times for Everton across all competitions, chipping in with 11 goals and seven assists.
Having only made one Premier League appearance this season, it’s easy to see why West Ham still have their eyes on whether or not an opportunity to sign the defender crops up between now and Tuesday’s deadline.
Would Michael Keane be a good signing for West Ham?
Yes
No
However, with the Toffees set to appoint Sean Dyche as their new manager, who Keane has played under more times than any other coach throughout his career, it wouldn’t be surprising if the 51-year-old decides he wants to keep hold of the centre-back.
Previously hailed for his “magnificent” performances by journalist Henry Winter, the £80k-per-week Englishman showed his defensive prowess throughout Everton’s last league campaign as he helped them avoid relegation.
Specifically, Keane ended the season with more clearances (128) and interceptions (62) than any other player at the Merseyside club.
With that in mind, we feel that if an opportunity were to arise over the next two days for West Ham to secure a deal for the Everton outcast, this is definitely something they should look to do to help strengthen their defensive ranks.