Leeds United and Burnley linked with move for Everton player - a big Turf Moor connection already exists | OneFootball

The Whites and Clarets are eyeing a move up for Michael Keane.

Leeds United and Burnley have both registered an interest in Everton defender Michael Keane during the summer transfer window.

The Whites and Clarets both secured automatic promotion back to the Premier League and will be finalising plans to bolster their squads ahead of a top-flight return.

It will be harder than ever for the duo to retain their place in the big time due to the widening gap between promoted and established teams in the division, so shrewd recruitment is what is needed to help buck the trend.

One area both teams need to improve on is possessing players with vital Premier League experience, and one figure who has established himself in the top-flight over a number of years is defender Michael Keane.

Making over 250 appearances with three different PL clubs, he is an asset who can help bring about a watertight backline, with Leeds and Burnley keen on shipping as few goals as possible.

Leeds United and Burnley keeping tabs on Michael Keane

According to a report by the Liverpool Echo, Leeds United and Burnley are interested in luring central defender Michael Keane away from Goodison Park this summer.

The former England international enjoyed a positive season on Merseyside when called upon, earning suitors from the USA and Italy back in January.

Opting to remain in blue, the promoted duo have now entered the race. Sheffield United did also hold an interest, but their failure to beat Sunderland in the play-off final means their pursuit has been brought to an abrupt end.

Offers from Leeds and Burnley are set to attract Keane, who is understandably in favour of earning regular first-team football over being fourth choice under David Moyes.

Last week, Everton confirmed that they were in talks with Keane over his future.

Michael Keane may prefer Burnley reunion over Leeds switch

At the age of 32, Michael Keane will be relieved that he still has opportunities on the table to play a starring role for a Premier League club.

Leeds and Burnley will both be very attractive options, and it will be intriguing to see who he will choose over the summer.

Of course, Keane was a former employer at Turf Moor, developing such a positive rapport with the Burnley faithful after helping the club return to the Premier League and then survive in their opening season, which would lead them to having a six consecutive year stay in the top-flight.

Despite the future of boss Scott Parker up in the air, Burnley have a young and vibrant squad to attack the division with, but will be in desperate need of Premier League know-how to keep some of the other stars grounded in what will prove to be a demanding campaign.

Meanwhile, Leeds already possess numerous options with top-flight experience, including Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu, so it appears the Whites won’t be as desperately seeking someone of Keane’s ilk.

It does make a move to Burnley more appealing, given it will be an easier job to establish himself as a valued member of the playing squad, and that may come into his thinking if a decision is required.