Michael Keane Completes Everton Transfer for Potential Club Record Fee

Everton have completed the signing of Burnley defender Michael Keane. 

Confirmation of the deal came from the club on Monday, with the centre-back signing on a five-year contract at Goodison Park.

Keane commented on the move in the release:

"I'm absolutely delighted to be at Everton, a fantastic football club with passionate fans and a great tradition and I can't wait to come into training tomorrow to meet all the lads.
 
"First and foremost, the manager was a big factor in me coming to the Club. He played in my position when he was a world-class player for a great Barcelona side and a great Dutch side and the style of football he likes to play will suit me, I believe.
 
"I watched a lot of Everton last season and I believe I really suit how the team likes to play. I feel like this is a great place to come and continue my development as a player."

According to Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports News HQ, Manchester United will receive around £6 million from the deal as part of a sell-on clause.

Keane, a product of the Manchester United youth setup, grew into a key man at Turf Moor during three seasons at the club.

In the 2014-15 campaign, he moved to Burnley on loan before agreeing to a permanent move the following year. It was a signing that proved to be inspired on the part of manager Sean Dyche, as the England youth international was a rock at the back as the Clarets secured promotion to the Premier League.

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Keane has been impressive during his time in the top flight, too. The 24-year-old hasn't shied away from the physicality of the Premier League and has also shown his composure in his defensive duties, stopping and distributing with assurance.

Earlier in the campaign, former England international Frank Lampard included Keane among some elite names in his Team of the Season:

As a reward for his fine form, Keane was called up to the senior England squad in October for two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and he earned his first cap in a friendly against Germany on March 22.

Burnley will miss the presence of Keane at the back, as he forged a strong partnership with Ben Mee in defence. However, he's looked ready for a step up during his time at the level.

Per Squawka Football, he was one of the most dominant defenders in the division last term:

Ronald Koeman will be aware Keane may take some time adapting to his new surroundings. There'll be a lot more focus on the defender at Goodison Park than there was in Lancashire, especially given the significant fee paid to take him away from Turf Moor.

But Keane is a young player who looks capable of coping with those expectations. Having battled hard to get in the first team earlier in his career, he'll be determined to take his chance at the top table of English football.