CONFIRMED: Everton announce Michael Keane signing

Everton have finally completed the signing of defender Michael Keane in a £25m deal that has been in the works since the beginning of the year. That sum could climb up to £30m with bonuses and add-ons. The England international and Manchester United Academy product joins the Blues from Burnley where he had a standout season as the rock in their backline.

The 24-year-old was a target of a January transfer by Everton but Burnley chose to keep the player to ensure Premier League survival. The player has one year left to run on his current contract. Keane has also played a key role in generating attacks with his ball-playing abilities and his 6’3” frame at setpieces, scoring twice with one assist in 35 Premier League games.

In an interview with the club’s official site after passing the medical today at USM Finch Farm and signing his new contract, Keane said -

“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.

“He’s convinced me that he can still improve me in certain areas of my game. I’m only 24 which, for a centre-half in the Premier League, is relatively young. I’ve still got a long way to go and I know this and hopefully under his guidance I’ll keep improving.

“You always want to play for a manager who believes in you. I wanted to come somewhere I was wanted by the staff, players and fans as well. I feel like Everton is the perfect match.

“I’ve also got to say thanks to the Chairman Bill Kenwright - he’s been absolutely fantastic getting the deal through. I also spoke with Steve Walsh, who I knew from my time at Leicester four or five years ago, and they really convinced me that this was the place to come and that Everton is the perfect club for me.”

Speaking about the new centerpiece of his defence, Koeman said -

“Michael was high among the players we wanted to bring to Everton this summer and I'm delighted he is here at the Club.

"We knew there would be competition from other clubs but Michael believes in the ambition of Everton and what we want to do and this is the perfect moment for him to come.

"I believe there is much more to come from Michael and that's what makes his signing really exciting for me - we will see his development as a player along with the progression overall within the Club.

"It's another really positive sign of the direction the Club is moving in. He's 24 years old, his best years are to come, he's an England international, too, and I couldn't be more pleased that he's now a Blue."