Southampton are ‘exploring a deal for Everton defender Michael Keane… with Premier League strugglers ‘interested in loan move but Toffees will only consider a permanent transfer’ for the 29-year-old
Southampton are exploring the possibility of moving for Everton’s Michael Keane to shore up their leaky defence in the January window.
Bottom of the Premier League table on just 12 points from 18 games, the Saints see Keane as a strong option, given his leadership qualities and wealth of Premier League experience, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein.
Neither side has brought in any new faces – although Southampton have made enquiries for Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson – but it is unclear whether Frank Lampard will let any defenders leave with Nathan Patterson set for up to six weeks out.
Southampton are reportedly exploring a deal for Everton’s English defender Michael Keane
Despite previously being a regular at Goodison Park, England defender Keane has struggled to break into the fold this season under Lampard.
The 29-year-old has made just one appearance in the Premier League in 2022-23, featuring for 22 minutes of a 1-1 draw away at Brentford.
The Saints are reportedly keen to bring in the centre-back on loan in the hope that he can strengthen their bid to remain in the top-flight from the heart of their back three.
The 29-year-old centre-back has featured only once for the Toffees in the Premier League
However, it is thought that the Toffees would only really be interested in a permanent deal for the England international.
The two clubs are yet to meet for formal negotiations over a deal, and Lampard’s side are not likely to want to allow one of their payers to strengthen a rival’s chances of beating them to survival on a temporary basis.
They are due to collide in the Premier League on January 14 at Goodison Park, and although it is still too early to call the meeting a relegation battle, both sides are in the bottom three, and at risk of being cut off.
Nathan Jones’ side are thought to be primarily interested in a temporary deal for the defender
Keane is currently under contract at the Toffees until at least 2025, having joined for £25million from Burnley in 2017, although his playing…