Could a move for Michael Keane finally be on the cards?
With Everton confident of confirming the loan of Manchester City centre half Eliaquim Mangala, first team chances will be further restricted for Michael Keane. The club record signing for a defender has found himself out of Sam Allardyce's plan at Goodison Park. Having only started four of the games under the management of Big Sam, a short term deal might be best for both the club and the player at this stage.
With the World Cup this summer, Keane will seek first team chances elsewhere to try and cement a place in the squad, one which he has featured heavily in since the appointment of Gareth Southgate. With transfer deadline nearing, could there be a move on the cards for the former Burnley central defender?
Which clubs might be interested?
Two clubs who could provide some serious interest in the signature of the former Manchester United defender could be West Ham and Newcastle United. Both clubs were linked with Mangala before Everton stole a march on both clubs to bring the French international to Goodison Park.
Rafa Benitez is looking to add to his squad and Keane would be an ideal fit into his Newcastle team, especially if he continues with a three man defence. Keane would add much needed experience and vigour to the Newcastle back-line and Benitez will no doubt continue to try and add players throughout the remainder of transfer deadline.
West Ham have been looking to add numbers and quality to the squad during January, so a last ditch attempt to lure Keane to the London Stadium could be an option. The composed centre half would fit alongside Winston Reid comfortably for the team, and would add versatility to the defence for David Moyes.
Keane could also be approached by Southampton, especially as the team has not yet filled the void left by Virgil Van Dijk who left for Liverpool. The central defence of Pellegrino's team needs a major upgrade after their struggles this season, and Keane would go a long way to fix this. Playing alongside summer signing Wesley Hoedt would give the club a solid spine defensively to build upon in their fight to stay in the Premier League.
Could Swansea try and bring Keane to the Liberty Stadium? Great wins at home to Liverpool and more recently last night against Arsenal have put the club in with a better chance of staying in the Premier League and more of a chance in attracting players to the Liberty Stadium. Playing in a three man defence under new manager Carlos Carvahal would be ideal for Keane, who could play either centrally or at the right.
Roy Hodgson has been trying to get players in at Selhurst Park this Janurary and might feel he could try and lure Keane to Crystal Palace this deadline day. Palace have made it clear they want to add to their current squad and Keane would be an ideal player to bring in to the club on this deadline day.
Michael Keane has found his career stalling at Goodison Park since his summer move, and a move for this second half of the season could move him back into contention for a place in the England World Cup squad.