Everton rejected an approach from Tottenham for defender Michael Keane in December, according to Football Insider, and the club were correct to do so.
With the England international having lost his starting spot for the Toffees, Football Insider report that Spurs had looked to bring Keane to London in December, having tracked the defender closely on a regular basis over the last year.
Despite Toby Alderweireld having signed a new contract with Spurs at the end of 2019, Jose Mourinho’s side are expected to continue searching for defensive reinforcements in the summer.
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Although Keane has slipped down the pecking order at Goodison Park this season, with Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate currently the preferred defensive partnership, Keane has played an instrumental role for Everton.
The 27-year old has started 17 times in the Premier League this season, coming off the bench on three further occasions, meaning he has massively contributed at the back for the Blues.
With Everton possessing just three senior centre-back options, the Blues didn’t have much scope to allow Keane to depart in the first place, as they would have been left short-changed at the back for the remaining months of the season.
Aside from that though, Keane has shown that while he may no longer be someone who can be relied upon in a starting role throughout the season, he does still have a place in the squad where he can contribute.
Since Marco Silva was sacked in December, Keane played the duration in winning games against Chelsea, Burnley, Newcastle and Crystal Palace, while he also played during the club’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United under Duncan Ferguson.
Should Everton have free rein to spend massively in the summer without the fear of financial fair play, then maybe Keane could be moved on and the centre-back could be replaced. In reality though, Everton have more important business to do, and Keane has an important role to play for the Blues.
