Everton manager Frank Lampard must cash in on Michael Keane according to former player Kevin Campbell. Speaking to Goodison News he said that the defender has had a "horrendous" season with Everton, but that he could be useful to another team as a squad player.

It was reported in The Daily Star recently that West Ham United would be willing to pay £20m for the defender, and we think that the Toffees should cash in on him and give one of their young prospects a chance.

The club could cut their losses over Keane, who signed from Burnley as part of a spending spree in 2017 and give 18-year old academy player Reece Welch a chance with the first team.

Initially, he may not be used as a direct replacement due to a lack of experience, but he could develop well if involved, and become a key player over a number of years.

With the end of the season fast approaching Everton are fighting to retain their Premier League status and Keane has been at the centre of that misery. The club are sixth on the list when it comes to most goals conceded this season in the Premier League, with the 29-year-old appearing in 28 of the 33 games played.

If they were able to secure a significant fee for him then it's a no brainer surely. Former manager at Goodison Park, Sam Allardyce, recently told talkSPORT that Everton "could crack under pressure", and with some of their performances so far this season 'lacking fight', why would you want those players around the dressing room.

One of the advantages with giving younger players a chance is that they are often fearless as they have a point to prove, wanting to show everyone they are good enough to play at the top level. Welch has also risen through the ranks at Finch Farm so would know what an honour it is to wear an Everton shirt.

The England U20 international made his debut for the first team in March, coming on as a substitute in their FA Cup victory over Borehamwood.

He has also appeared 22 times in Premier League 2 this season showing consistency having been promoted from the U18s last summer. The Guardian ranked him in their next-generation list in 2020 where they looked at the 20 best talents at Premier League clubs.

In the process, journalist Andy Hunter described him as "skilful" and "composed" in the backline.

Having trust in youth has worked for the Toffees in the past and we think it can work again now, and could benefit them in the long run as well.

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