Bharath Rammr
Burnley have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season. After being rated as one of the favourites to get relegated, Burnley have never been involved in the relegation battle throughout the campaign. It has largely been down to their brilliant defending. Burnley have conceded the fewest number of goals among teams in the bottom half of the table. A major factor behind this record is defender Michael Keane. However, it is understood that the defender has informed the Burnley that he intends to leave the club at the end of the campaign.
This shift in mood has been caused by the transfer interest linking Keane with Chelsea and Manchester United. Both clubs are in the market for a new centre-back, and the 24-year-old will fit perfectly into the requirements. Apart from being young, he is also English and he will be able to fill in the homegrown players’ quota. Chelsea will be losing John Terry in the summer, and they intend to replace the former England captain with the youngster. However, they are facing stiff competition from United, who are also on the lookout for a new central defender.
Manchester United are expected to sell the likes of Daley Blind and Luke Shaw. Phil Jones may be shifted to a right back spot on a permanent basis to tide over the absence of capable replacements for Antonio Valencia. This would leave Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo as the primary choices in the central defensive positions. A player like Keane would be a significant addition in this regard. Keane has been an ever present for Burnley this season. He has featured in 33 league matches and has managed to score 2 goals.
A return to Old Trafford will be immense to the player, who left the club back in 2015. United will have to pay significantly more than what they received for him back then, in order to bring Keane to Old Trafford. It is reported that Burnley rate the player in excess of £30million. The player is on contract with the club until the summer of 2018. Keane has just over 12 months left on his deal and it is expected that Burnley would rather be prepared to receive a slightly lower transfer fee, than losing him for free next summer.
