According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton could be joined by arch-rivals Liverpool in the race to sign Burnley centre-back Michael Keane.

The former Manchester United defender has been attracting a lot of interest because of his impressive performances at the back for the Clarets this season, which sees the club sitting relatively comfortably in 13th position in the Premier League table.

As a result of his fine form, the 24-year-old was called up to senior England squad for the first time by Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate this month, and he made his full debut in the 1-0 defeat to Germany on Wednesday night.

While Sean Dyche won’t want to lose the 6 foot 3 defender, an assured display for his country will have increased Keane’s number of admirers, with the Toffees and the Reds both said to be keen on bringing him to Merseyside this summer.

Here are THREE reasons Everton will beat rivals Liverpool to the signing of Keane…

Guaranteed starter

The 24-year-old would know that if he did make the move to Goodison Park, that he would be a regular starter.

With Phil Jagielka seemingly nearing the end of his Everton career and Ashley Williams getting no younger, Ronald Koeman has few options at centre-back right now and could choose to build his defence around Keane.

It is something that would not be guaranteed at Liverpool, where Jurgen Klopp could be looking to bring two new centre-halves to Anfield this summer to compete with the likes of Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.

Natural progression

While Keane has impressed with his showings this term, it is still only his second season playing regularly at this level for Burnley.

The 24-year-old still has a lot to learn and would perhaps be better off doing that learning at a club more accommodating in that sense, as he looks to maintain his spot in the England squad.

In this case, that would certainly make a move to Everton over Liverpool more beneficial for the player, as he would receive a lot less criticism if he made a mistake playing for the former.

Less pressure

As we alluded to previously, there would be a lot less pressure on Keane’s shoulders to make an instant impression if he decided to make the move to Goodison Park and not Anfield this summer.

It is something that hasn’t been a problem for the 24-year-old during his time with Burnley – in the Premier League especially – and while Ronald Koeman will want his side to be challenging for Europe again next season, it is a completely different expectancy to competing for the Premier League title, as Liverpool will expect to do.

Do you agree, Everton and Liverpool fans? Let us know below.

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