Michael Keane 'to quit Everton and sign for new club next month'

Everton defender Michael Keane is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club next month and has suitors in Serie A and Major League Soccer in the United States, according to The Times.

The news outlet reported (2nd December) the 31-year-old is set to enter talks with several foreign clubs in January about a free-transfer move next summer that would end his eight-year stay at Everton.

Keane, who moved to the Toffees from Burnley for £25million in 2017, also has interest from other Premier League sides but, while he can speak directly to clubs abroad from January 1, he must wait until the end of the season to negotiate with one of Everton’s domestic rivals.

The England international was left out of the team recently by Sean Dyche after a run of matches in the side to make room for the fit-again Jarrad Branthwaite. He missed Sunday’s 4-0 away defeat to Man United because of a knock to his knee that is likely to sideline him for the next ten days.

Dyche admitted the centre-back did not deserve to lose his place, and the timing of his demotion comes with clubs looking to initiate talks about signing him for free.

Michael Keane’s departure from Everton was inevitable

Football Insider opinion

The 12-time capped England international, is currently earning a substantial £80,000 per week. It’s believed that he would need to accept a significant pay cut for Everton to consider offering him a contract extension.

With options like Jarred Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, and summer signing Jake O’Brien available in central defense, it seems increasingly likely that Keane will depart the Blues on a free transfer. He has made just 21 appearances for Everton in the Premier League over the past two campaigns highlighting his growing drift from Sean Dyche’s first team plans.

Despite Keane making nine appearances in the league already this year, he has found himself back on the fringes at Goodison Park, not featuring in their last three league matches due to Branthwaite’s return from injury.

The Merseyside club have fared well without his services, securing two clean sheets in the three matches since he was demoted to the bench.

Currently, the Blues sit 15th in the table and are just two points above the relegation zone. If this is the defenders final season at Goodison, fans will be hoping to see him give his all in helping the team secure their Premier League status before he bids farewell.

In other news, an Everton star’s loan could be terminated.

For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Michael Keane 'to quit Everton and sign for new club next month' appeared first on Football Insider.