West Ham United are reportedly interested in bringing Everton defender Michael Keane to the London Stadium this summer.
What's the word?
That is according to a report from Football Insider who claim that the Hammers have registered their interest in the 29-year-old, with the club said to be in the market for a new centre-back this window.
As per the report, the club are set to lose out on James Tarkowski with Everton said to have offered the defender £120,000-per-week, with a full agreement for the defender said to be in place.
As such, it is said that Keane "figures prominently" on David Moyes' wish list, with the Scotsman believing he possesses the right profile and possesses the necessary attributes to bolster his back line.
West Ham have lodged an enquiry with talks seemingly now underway for the £19.8m-rated defender.
West Ham's next Dawson?
The signing of Keane could represent great value for the Hammers, despite the move for the 29-year-old being far from glamorous - especially considering West Ham's bout in the European competitions.
Though, Moyes has metaphorically turned water into wine at the London Stadium and has done so by recruiting players who have not been under the spotlight, so to speak.
His signings at West Ham have been calculated and the majority have fallen in the underrated category. He's opted to keep his squad small and refused to engage in unnecessary business, so the fact he sees Keane as a viable option is enough in itself.
The signing of Craig Dawson last year is the perfect comparison of the impact that Hammers fans could expect Keane to make. 32-year-old Dawson has had a monumental rise back to the top flight and has asserted himself as a vital part of the West Ham backline.
Of course, he was not a glamour signing either, but a true grafter at the back in the mould of a defender from yesteryear.
£69k-per-week Keane who was once dubbed an "absolute beast" offers a similar skillset to Dawson and his ability to lead will also make him an attractive asset in the eyes of Moyes.
If Everton are to officially secure the signing of Tarkowski, Keane could well depart Goodison Park for the more positive project at the London Stadium.