Everton open fresh defender renewal talks
Everton are in fresh talks to extend Michael Keane’s stay at the club.
The defender had previously been in discussions over a new deal but negotiations are understood to have hit an impasse several months ago.
Keane’s existing contract with the Blues, signed in summer 2020, had originally been due to expire on Monday ahead of being offered new terms.
His future had appeared to lie away from David Moyes’ side after they prioritised prolonging the spells of Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye.
But the club’s former record signing is now set to be offered the chance to be part of the squad which will move into Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.
Keane had fallen out of favour in his final season with Everton as both Moyes and Sean Dyche preferred Jarrad Branthwaite to partner James Tarkowski.
Jake O’Brien was also deployed alongside Branthwaite, who is expected to renew his contract shortly, when Tarkowski suffered a season-ending injury.
But the one-time Manchester United centre-back is expected to spurn Leicester City’s interest in order to move into a ninth season on Merseyside.
Keane, 32, has made 230 appearances in a royal blue shirt and contributed 16 goals including during a memorable 2022 comeback over Crystal Palace.
