Everton to ‘definitely’ let first-XI defender leave

Michael Keane is all-but certain to leave Everton this summer as his contract heads towards expiry, sources have told Football Insider.

Everton could see up to 14 first-team players leave Goodison Park this summer as they prepare for their stadium move to Bramley-Moore Dock, with nine out of contract and a further five on expiring loan deals.

Of Everton’s five loanees, Jesper Lindstrom, Armando Broja and winter arrival Carlos Alcaraz have buy options included to make their moves permanent, but it’s unclear if any of those deals will be activated.

Keane is one of the nine Toffees players looking set for the exit door once their contracts expire on 30 June, but unlike Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he’s not been the subject of significant transfer uncertainty.

Now, sources have told Football Insider that there has been “no update” on the possibility of Everton offering Keane new terms, and as a result he is now bound to head for pastures new this summer.

Michael Keane exit makes Everton transfer plan clear

With Keane looking certain to move on from Goodison Park in the coming months, sources have told Football Insider that Everton will look to bring in at least one centre-back in the transfer window.

Football Insider revealed last month that Genoa’s £25million-rated defender Koni de Winter has emerged as a top target to replace Keane, but Everton will battle several other clubs to sign the Belgian.

Furthermore, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Cameron Carter-Vickers would fit in with what David Moyes wants from his defenders, to a greater extent than Keane.

Everton have clear transfer priority at centre-back

Although Moyes is more than happy to let Keane move on this summer, the keystone of his long-term plans for Everton’s new era is Jarrad Branthwaite, who the Toffees will be much more reluctant to let go.