Everton respond to Southampton loan approach for defender Michael Keane
Everton have knocked back the initial approach from Southampton for their defender Michael Keane in the January transfer window.
According to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, the Toffees are reluctant to let a player join and strengthen a Premier League rival.
It’s also understood that for Keane, they would prefer a permanent sale over a season-long loan deal.
Via Twitter, Thomas wrote, “Saints FC have been knocked back in their initial approach for Keane on loan. #Evertonfc not keen to loan to league-position rival + prefer to sell.”
Sell to anyone
Keane is not really the kind of defender that strengthens most Premier League starting elevens and even if he does move to the St Mary’s, it will not make much of a difference.
Southampton are struggling in many areas, including their manager’s tactical approach to games and Keane joining suddenly will not make them favourites to avoid relegation from the bottom five.
Everton surely will be aware that this is perhaps the last window they can get decent money from the defender’s sale and have to hold out for a permanent transfer.
If the Saints, or any other club for that matter, are desperate to sign him, then they will end up paying up for his services.
He adds to the homegrown quota as well so that could be viewed as another positive for any Premier League side wanting to sign him.
It seems like the Toffees are already planning for life without Keane as they’ve lined up potential replacements this month.