Insider ExWHUemployee has claimed that West Ham United may have just been handed a big boost in their chase of Michael Keane.

What’s the word?

David Moyes' men are quite likely in the market for a new centre-back signing this winter with Craig Dawson recently departing in favour of a move to Wolves.

Everton defender Keane had been named as a potential target, although Premier League rivals Southampton were also believed to be in the race at some stage.

However, it now turns out that the Saints have called back Jan Bednarek from his loan at Aston Villa and so their immediate need for a new defender has diminished.

Consequently, Ex has said that this could have West Ham a potential boost in their pursuit of the Everton man.

While talking on The West Ham Way Patreon page, he said: "This has a knock-on effect on Michael Keane of Everton. Southampton had been trying to sign him but it seems they may have given up the chase by bringing back Bednarek.

"This leaves West Ham, some Italian teams and potentially Nottingham Forest to battle for the English international on loan.

"Ironically Michael Keane is another signing, like Danny Ings, who played under Sean Dyche at Burnley. It is unknown whether a change in manager will affect Keane’s position at this point."

Transfer boost

Despite their win over Everton on the weekend, West Ham are in poor form at the moment and sit just one point above the relegation zone as a result.

With that in mind, it is interesting that Ex mentions Sean Dyche. The Englishman has been touted as a possible replacement should David Moyes get the sack if the Irons' fortunes don't improve any time soon.

Of course, Keane and Dyche spent a number of years together at Burnley with the defender playing under his former boss 108 times – the most of any single manager across the span of his career.

With that in mind, if he was to replace Moyes then perhaps the Everton centre-back would be even keener on a move. For now, we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

Although, with just 22 minutes of Premier League football to his name so far this term, Keane won't want to wait too long before deciding his future.