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Where next for Michael Keane? Manchester United and Everton backed to sign Burnley defender

HULL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25:  Michael Keane of Burnley celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Burnle
Image: Michael Keane is set to leave Burnley this summer but what are his options?

We look at Michael Keane's next club options as Sky sources understand the defender will leave Burnley at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old was recently rewarded with a first England appearance for a strong season at Burnley, in which he's helped the team stay clear of the relegation zone with nine clean sheets.

Here's a look at his most likely suitors according to Sky Bet's transfer odds

Manchester United - 11/10 with Sky Bet

With just over a year to run on Keane's contract, Sky Bet go 20/1 on him to remain at Turf Moor beyond the summer, with a return to his first club considered the most likely outcome.

Paul Pogba of Manchester United (L) and Michael Keane of Burnley (R) battle for possession
Image: Michael Keane battles for possession with Manchester United's Paul Pogba

The centre-back only made one first-team appearance for United amid a flurry of loan spells before Burnley were allowed to turn their temporary move into a permanent one.

Under Jose Mourinho, United have proved they're willing to spend big money to bring back a player allowed to leave on the cheap, with Paul Pogba returning for a world-record fee last summer, although Sky sources understand no contact has been made at this stage.

Everton - 5/4 with Sky Bet

Everton had headed the betting to secure Keane's services before Sky Bet reported a flurry of money on United. Ronald Koeman has started to put together a young and exciting team at Goodison Park and is expect to have further funds to invest this summer.

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He will also be looking to prove to Premier League leading scorer Romelu Lukaku that the club are able to match his ambitions, with Chelsea currently 7/4 to reclaim the Belgian's services.

Tottenham - 9/1 with Sky Bet

If Keane's main aspiration is to work under a manager who can help him reach the top of the game then he may well be targeting a move to Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino has been hailed for his work in transforming Spurs into title contenders without spending big, helping a talented young side excel.

Michael Keane tries to stop Tottenham's Harry Kane in his tracks
Image: Michael Keane tries to stop Tottenham's Harry Kane in his tracks

Their assault on top spot has been led by the best defensive record in the league and, while he's unlikely to dislodge Toby Alderweireld or Jan Vertonghen, Pochettino will need another option at the back if he wants to play a back three on a more regular basis.

Liverpool - 11/1 with Sky Bet

A move to his former club's rivals Liverpool is also considered to be a possibility, with Jurgen Klopp expected to be on the hunt for defensive reinforcements. Sky Bet's markets certainly suggest so, making them 3/1 to bag Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton.

Jurgen Klopp made two changes for the Hull match
Image: Jurgen Klopp is likely to target defensive additions - but Virgil van Dijk could be a smarter bet

The Reds' are the top scorers in the Premier League this season but their title aspirations have hardly been aided by their current backline, which has conceded more goals at home than Keane's current side.

Other options

Manchester City have also struggled at the back for much of the campaign and are 14/1 to pair Keane with fellow England centre-back John Stones. Chelsea are the same place as Antonio Conte weighs up whether he'll need to replace John Terry this summer, although Kurt Zouma's return to fitness is boost.

Arsenal are next in line at 18/1 while Leicester, who reportedly had a January bid for the defender rejected, are 20/1 shots, the same price as he is to remain at Turf Moor.

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