Everton have restarted contract talks with centre-back Michael Keane | OneFootball

Contract talks have restarted between Everton and centre-back Michael Keane, according to the Times journalist Paul Joyce.

The 32-year-old joined the Toffees from Burnley in 2017. He signed a five-year contract in 2020.

Talks over another extension at the Hill Dickinson Stadium club hit a brick wall several months ago, but they are now back on.

Everton want to keep Keane and are hoping to reach an agreement that would keep him at the Merseyside club beyond this summer.

The club are also set to hand Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye new deals, with the duo set to sign new contracts in the coming days.

Keane made 18 appearances for the Toffees last term across all competitions, starting 14 times, and he still has plenty of experience to offer the team.

Everton finished 13th in the Premier League last term and will be desperate to force their way into contention for European qualification next term.

They have signed Charly Alcaraz permanently after his impressive loan spell last term, but Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja have returned to their parent clubs.

Mason Holgate, Neal Maupay, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic and Ashley Young have all been released. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also left the club.

Everton need several signings if they are to hit the ground running at their new ground next term and the club’s new owners must be willing to splash the cash.