Manchester United appear to have made their first signing of the summer.
United are set to continue their policy of signing former youth team players they let join other clubs. According to the Times, Jose Mourinho’s side are “very close” to clinching a deal for Burnley defender Michael Keane.
The 24-year-old central defender will reportedly cost United £25m, two years after leaving the club for £2m.
Keane has impressed for Burnley this season, helping them retain their Premier League status and winning his first England cap in the process. The defender came through the youth system at United, but made only five first team appearances before Louis van Gaal sold him in 2015.
James Rodriguez to Manchester United is exactly where the club has gone wrong @RobRedmond10 https://t.co/MTtG9cCUqQ
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 16, 2017
Everton were understood to confident about landing the player, but it appears United will beat them to the signing. Keane’s move could spell the end of the Old Trafford careers of Phil Jones or Chris Smalling.
When all of Mourinho’s players are available to him, the duo would arguably be behind Eric Bailly and the injured Marcos Rojo in the United pecking order. Mourinho has also questioned Smalling’s willingness to play through the pain barrier.
However, one former United defender will be delighted to see Keane return to Old Trafford. Back in February, Rio Ferdinand tipped Keane to return to Old Trafford.
“You look at the likes of Pogba. He’s gone away and come back now and become a huge star. Michael Keane, he could do that himself,” Ferdinand said.
“He’s a clean passer of the ball, and at the top end of the game, that is worth a huge amount.”
"Pogba went away and came back to #MUFC – Michael Keane could do that"@RioFerdy5 is full of praise for the #Clarets centre-back: pic.twitter.com/4a5BDCXOzX
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) February 17, 2017
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