Report: Everton turned down Tottenham move for defender
Everton centre back Michael Keane has had an up-and-down time of it on Merseyside, and his struggles with consistency have been dramatic.
The former Burnley star has established himself as an England regular during his spell at Goodison Park, but he’s fallen on tough times of late.
Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina have moved ahead of him in the centre half pecking order, and another new player will likely be signed at his position in the summer.
Still, he’s someone that the Toffees cannot afford to lose at the moment given their lack of depth at the heart of their defence.
Indeed, the Merseyside club clearly agree with that view based on the latest transfer report.
Football Insider reported on Tuesday night that Carlo Ancelotti’s side rejected a move from their Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur for Keane.
It’s thought that Spurs have been tracking the 27-year-old for some time, and sent scouts to watch him on a regular basis last season.
Their move to potentially sign him came before their centre half Toby Alderweireld signed a contract extension in December. However, Everton didn’t want to lose him.
Right decision by the Blues?
Absolutely, yes. Tottenham’s plans may have changed after Alderweireld’s decision, but Everton did the right thing all along.
They only have three senior centre backs as it is, so there was simply no way they could afford to sell one mid-campaign.
That would’ve been disastrous, leaving them with only Mina and Holgate. That’s simply not tenable.
So, while Keane’s form may have deteriorated of late, now is probably not the right time to offload him.
In other Everton news, a former Toffees defender has been raving over one Blues midfield star.