According to reports in the Liverpool Echo, Everton are set to look at alternatives to one of their top summer transfer targets with Manchester United said to be readying a move for Burnley centre-back Michael Keane.

Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is keen to bring some fresh blood into the heart of his defence at the end of the season with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams getting no younger, and Ramiro Funes Mori picking up a knee injury while on international duty with Argentina last month, and he had been linked with Keane.

The 24-year-old has impressed for the Clarets in the Premier League this term and has quickly become one of the most coveted centre-halves after making his senior England debut against Germany in March.

However, his former club United are now said to be confident of sealing a £25m deal to bring him back to Old Trafford, meaning Koeman will need to look elsewhere if he wants to strengthen his backline.

Here are four Keane alternatives Everton could sign this summer…

Harry Maguire

Throughout certain stages of the Premier League season Hull City have looked dead and buried, however they are currently two points above the relegation zone with four matches of the campaign left to play.

One of the reasons they are where they are is because of the impressive performances of Maguire at the heart of their defence.

The 24-year-old has made 126 clearances and 58 interceptions in 26 top flight appearances this term, and he will be in demand whichever division the Tigers find themselves in next term.

Alfie Mawson

The 23-year-old centre-back moved to the Liberty Stadium for £5.5m from Barnsley in August despite making just four Championship appearances, but he is already showing why the Welsh club rated him so highly.

Although the Swans are two points from safety in what has been a disappointing campaign, Mawson has been one of the bright points after making 137 clearances in 23 Premier League outings.

As well as his defensive contribution, the centre-half has also scored four goals to show that he is a huge threat in the opposition box too and he could be signed for a reasonable fee should Swansea go down.

Ben Gibson

Although Middlesbrough look to be on the verge of being relegated straight back to the Championship after winning just four Premier League matches this season, it certainly isn’t to do with the efforts of their defence.

Before their 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, Boro had conceded just 39 goals in their 32 top flight matches and they have still let in just one fewer than third-placed Liverpool.

Captain Gibson has been a rock at the back, and his performances will mean that he will be a target for a number of clubs even if – as expected – his side do go down.

Calum Chambers

Although he has often played at right-back for both Southampton and Arsenal during his career, Chambers has been shining at centre-back for Middlesbrough this term after joining the club on a season-long loan spell.

With Boro set for an instant return to the Championship, the 22-year-old will return to the Emirates at the end of the campaign but it remains to be seen whether he has a long-term future there.

Koeman very briefly worked with the defender when he first joined Southampton in 2014 and he could look to be reunited with him this summer.

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