According to The Sun, Everton still lead the race to sign Burnley centre-back Michael Keane in this summer's transfer window, despite rumours quietening since last month.

What's the story?

Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in Keane, who had an impressive 2016-17 campaign at Turf Moor.

Burnley are said to be desperate to keep hold of Keane as they prepare for another Premier League season, but the 24-year-old only has one year remaining on his contract with Sean Dyche's outfit.

Talk of a move to Everton has quietened in recent weeks, but according to The Sun, the Toffees are still very much in charge of the pursuit as they consider whether to make their move.

Burnley are said to be holding out for £25m for the England international, but are wary of the fact that the centre-back could walk away for nothing at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

Do Everton need Keane?

Ashley Williams, Ramiro Funes Mori and Phil Jagielka shared the centre-back positions for Everton last season, whilst youngster Matthew Pennington was also drafted into action.

Everton had the seventh-best defensive record in the 2016-17 Premier League season, but it would be fair to say that they were better in the final third of the field.

Jagielka is not exactly getting any youngster, whilst Funes Mori only started 16 league matches last season after struggling to overcome a number of niggling injuries.

Keane, on the other hand, started 35 of Burnley's 38 league matches last term, and the 24-year-old's form has made him very much a part of Gareth Southgate's England squad.

Everton, who harbour hopes of breaking into the top four, have not been shy in splashing the cash this summer, and a move for a strong centre-back that has his best years ahead of him certainly makes sense for Ronald Koeman.

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