Everton are confident that they will win the race to sign Burnley defender Michael Keane for £25m this summer, according to The Mirror.

Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is looking to bolster his defensive options at the end of the season as he looks to push the club on again and with the likes of Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams getting no younger, he wants to bring a more youthful centre-half to Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers for the Clarets this term, helping one of the pre-season favourites for relegation to a mid-table placing with some committed performances.

The former Manchester United man also rose to prominence after picking up his first senior England caps during last month’s international break, impressing with his solid showings in a 1-0 defeat to Germany and a win over Lithuania.

Here are THREE reasons Michael Keane would be the perfect long-term replacement for Jagielka…

His defensive qualities

Understandably, Burnley have had quite a bit of defending to do in the Premier League this season, but Keane has more than stepped up to the plate.

An ever-present at the heart of the Clarets’ defence, making 32 league appearances, the 24-year-old has made 232 clearances and 63 interceptions to show that he has the commitment to put his body on the line, as well as having a good awareness of danger.

Those are traits that he shares with Jagielka, meaning he would be a good long-term replacement for the 34-year-old.

Strength in the air

Jagielka has shown just how strong he is in the air during his Premier League career, and it is an important trait to have for any top flight centre-back.

Keane has more than proved that he is capable of competing against the biggest threats though – the England international has successfully won 120 aerial duels for the Clarets this term.

Of course, this ability also means that he is a threat at the other end of the pitch too, and he has accordingly scored twice for Sean Dyche’s men this season.

Ability on the ball

It is important for Ronald Koeman to have centre-backs that are comfortable on the ball in his team, and while it probably isn’t Keane’s best attribute, it is certainly one that he is improving.

The 24-year-old showed while playing for England that he is calm in possession and has the ability to produce a range of different passes, and those are traits that would ensure he would bring a similar calmness and quality to the defence when Jagielka eventually moves on.

Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.

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