West Ham United are reportedly interested in bringing Everton defender Michael Keane to the London Stadium this summer.
What is the word?
That’s according to a Football Insider report which claims the Hammers have expressed interest in the 29-year-old, with the club in the market for a new centre-back this window.
According to the report, the club are set to lose James Tarkowski, Everton have reportedly offered the defender £120,000 a week, with a full deal for the defender said to be in place.
As such, Keane is said to be ‘high’ on David Moyes’ wishlist, with the Scot believing he has the right profile and has the attributes to strengthen his back line.
West Ham have filed an investigation with talks apparently underway for the £19.8million-rated defender.
West Ham’s next Dawson?
Signing Keane could represent great value for the Hammers, although the 29-year-old’s move is far from glamorous, especially given West Ham’s struggle in European competition.
Should West Ham sign Keane?
Yes
Nope
However, Moyes metaphorically turned water into wine at the London Stadium and did so by signing players who haven’t been in the limelight, so to speak.
His West Ham signings have been calculated and the majority have fallen into the underrated category. He chose to keep his team small and refused to engage in unnecessary business, so the fact that he sees Keane as a viable option is enough in itself.
The signing of Craig Dawson last year is the perfect comparison of the impact Hammers fans could expect Keane to have. Dawson, 32, has enjoyed a monumental rise through the top flight and established himself as a vital part of West Ham’s backline.
Of course, he wasn’t a glamorous signing either, but a true grafter at the back in the mold of a defender of yesteryear.
£69,000 a week Keane who was once dubbed a “absolute beastoffers a similar skill set to Dawson and his ability to lead will also make him an attractive asset in Moyes’ eyes.
If Everton are to officially secure Tarkowski’s signature, Keane could well leave Goodison Park for the more positive project at the London Stadium.
In other news: West Ham can seal ‘unreal’ deal in 115-goal bid, imagine it and Rice