Former Everton player Kevin Ratcliffe believes that signing Burnley defender Michael Keane would be a good move for the Toffees.

According to the Daily Mail, the Merseyside outfit are favourites to land the England international's signature.

Keane's former club Manchester United have been named in the rumour mill as possible suitors for the defender, as have Liverpool.

However, the Mail claims that positive talks have already been held between Burnley and Everton over a £20m deal.

It is no surprise that Keane is being targeted as he has put in consistently solid displays at the back for the Clarets this season.

The defender has played in all 33 of Burnley's Premier League games and has even contributed with two goals and an assist.

The 24-year-old ended his four-year spell at United to move to Turf Moor in 2015, but it was not until this season that other clubs began to take notice.

Ratcliffe has suggested that the price of Keane is not entirely justified, but due to the rate of British talent, needs must.

He wrote in the Liverpool Echo:

"I rate him and think that, while there's room for improvement, he shows plenty of promise at the age of only 24. With no disrespect intended to the Clarets you like to think he will improve at a bigger club.

"I would certainly not be disappointed if Everton signed Keane in the summer. How much they should pay for him is another matter, but if the going rate is £20 -25m then so be it.

"You have to spend big on young English talent, and he certainly ticks a lot of boxes in what you look for from a central defender."

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