Exclusive: 212-app Everton star could submit transfer request

Michael Keane could push to leave Everton this summer after falling down the pecking order, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Keane wants to play regular first-team football at this stage of his career and will now look to move on.

However, Sean Dyche is reluctant to let another defensive player leave after selling Ben Godfrey earlier in the transfer window.

Keane, 31, has dropped out of contention for a first-team place after the emergence of Jarrad Branthwaite, who now looks like he will remain at Goodison Park next season.

Everton defender Michael Keane pushing for summer exit

Keane joined Everton from Burnley for £30million in 2017 and has since made 212 appearances for the club.

A former England international, Keane has represented his country 12 times, and has plenty of top-flight experience to show for his time at Goodison Park.

However, he has fallen out of favour due to the partnership forged by Branthwaite and James Tarkowski and is not keen on being a backup at this stage.

Last season, Keane featured just 12 times in all competitions and just nine times in the Premier League, while five of those appearances came from the bench.

At 31, the defender feels he can still do a job as a starting player rather than playing understudy and could push through a move to secure more regular football.

However, Everton have no need to sell given their improved financial situation after selling multiple players already this summer.

With just one year remaining on his current deal at Goodison Park and Dyche reluctant to see him leave, Keane could look to leave for free next summer.

In other news, Everton are to sell Amadou Onana at a discount price.

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