Everton open to permanent Michael Keane exit as Southampton weigh up January loan bid – David Ornstein
Southampton want to sign Michael Keane on loan in January, but Everton are only open to a permanent exit according to David Ornstein.
The former England international has been surplus to requirements this season at Goodison Park after Frank Lampard bolstered the defence in the summer, and is now keen to leave for more regular football elsewhere.
But while there has been interest from West Ham among other clubs, Southampton have now entered the race for his signature and are keen on a loan move although Everton are only interested in a sale.
“Southampton exploring possibility of signing Michael Keane from Everton,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (5 January).
“[Southampton] weighing up loan move for 29yo centre-back given quality, leadership + PL experience. [Everton] would only consider permanent.
“No direct talks or offers so far.”
Get rid
It’s totally understandable that Everton are only interested in a permanent sale as they look to raise funds for their own January business, but we have to be sensible here.
Keeping Keane at the club at this point is just a waste of wages, because he’s behind several options for the position even when we opt to use an extra centre-back in a five-at-the-back formation.
He wants to play regularly and Lampard clearly isn’t relying on him or trusting him at all, so saving money on his wage and potentially bringing in a loan fee is undoubtedly better than nothing at all.
A permanent sale is great and best for everyone for sure, but beggars can’t be choosers and that’s exactly what we are right now.
Get the dead wood out of the club and save some cash, then work on getting our targets in to save Everton from relegation.