Central defender, Michael Keane completes his loan deal at Turf Moor following the QPR game this Saturday and it had been hoped that originally they could extend the loan deal in January until the end of the season subject to parent club, Manchester United`s approval. United gave permission for Keane to play in the FA Cup tie against Spurs at Turf Moor on Monday night so the signs are encouraging that an appropriate deal can be done. However the emphasis seems to have now changed with reports in the Manchester Evening News suggesting that Burnley are now exploring a permanent deal for the 21 year old with a view to agreeing terms in the January window.
However media reports also suggest that Manchester United will be demanding an extortionate £3million for the payer despite the England Under 21 defender having only played a handful of first-team games for the Red Devils. Reports also suggest that this could be a stumbling block with Burnley valuing the player at more like £1.75 million. There might also have to be a sizeable sell-on clause included in the contract should a permanent deal be agreed.
Keane has impressed in the centre of defence after taking his opportunity following the calf injury to veteran centre back, Michael Duff. He has made nine consecutive starts forming a good understanding with captain, and fellow central defender Jason Shackell. The Clarets though currently have a bit of crisis in the centre of defence. Not only has Duff been sidelined for the last nine games but on New Year`s Day both Shackell (calf) and then his replacement substitute Kevin Long (knee) were injured in the match against Newcastle United at St James Park. There was more bad news this week when it was revealed that Long had damaged his cruciate ligament and would now miss the rest of the season. You can see why Burnley might be desperate to hold onto Keane at this precise moment in time and perhaps United know the situation and are cheekily trying it on! If you asked me would I rather pay £3 million for Keane rather than lose him, I would have to say yes but it would stick in my throat but that`s life in the Premier League and if you want to compete with the big boys sometimes you have to pay over the odds. I can`t help think though that the best bet might be to extend the loan deal until the summer and then review the situation. If we manage to stay up we are likely to be in a better financial position anyway and could have more bargaining power.
‘We are just looking at that situation,’ Dyche said. ‘That has been ongoing ever since he has been here.
‘We will wait and see [on a deal]. That is a discussion we will have with him and Manchester United. That has been going on for a while.’
What do you think? Tell us beneath the article!
Share this article
