Today’s paper rumours claim that Tottenham are becoming increasingly interested in the progress of Everton centre-back Michael Keane and are preparing a summer bid for the England man.
The Express are saying that Spurs are eyeing the Everton player as a possible replacement for their centre-halves Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. And the paper claim that their north London rivals Arsenal are also interested in Keane, possibly setting off a bidding war.
This sort of rumour is not good news for Blues supporters. Keane had a rocky start to the current season but has improved as the campaign has progressed.
Now he has become a settled presence in the Everton backline playing with solid consistency with either Kurt Zouma or Yerry Mina. Recently he has been especially strong in the two wins over Chelsea and West Ham United.
And in recognition of his increasing stature in central defence he got a re-call to the England team for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Montenegro.
For the Toffees to progress they need to hold onto young players of his calibre as they try to build a competitive team that can challenge for the top four and perhaps some honours too.
Keeping Keane is especially important as it’s increasingly likely Everton won’t be able to sign Zouma on a long-term deal, even though Marco Silva wants to keep the Chelsea man.
Chelsea’s transfer ban, which is coming into force this summer makes it very probable that the Stamford Bridge club will want him back.
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The Blues may well be in the market themselves for further defensive reinforcements but keeping Keane is surely integral to the club’s defensive plans.
Talking of England players in the news, Jordan Pickford has been reportedly linked with a confrontation in Sunderland on Sunday night/Monday morning. The Police and the club are looking into the incident to decide what, if any action they will take.
This is not a good story for the club’s reputation but it is one, which has happened before as young players do occasionally get into trouble when out late. Hopefully it will not lead to anything more significant.
However it’s not certain but its probably likely that he will be playing for Everton in next Sunday’s Premier League match at home to Arsenal., unless the club decide he can’t.