NO-GO KEANE

PREMIER LEAGUE Defiant Dyche won’t sell star

SEAN DYCHE would rather let Michael Keane leave Burnley for nothing at the end of next season than sell him on the cheap this summer.

Keane, 24, has just over a year left to run on his deal at Turf Moor and has refused to sign a new one.

That has raised the interest of a host of top Premier League clubs, including tomorrow’s opponents Manchester United.

The centre-back’s value has rocketed since he left Old Trafford for Burnley in a £2m deal in January 2015, and he made his England debut against Germany last month.

Dyche is ready to keep hold of Keane for another season and let him run down his contract, arguing that the Clarets do not need the money from a big sale.

The Burnley boss said: “We’re in a great position, if that came around. We’re in a stronger position now.

“That’s where the club has changed. It would have to be ® appropriate for all parties, and all parties are in the loop.”

Dyche added that Keane and his representatives are fully aware that is Burnley’s position.

He added: “There’s no story. When everyone reads it, they’ll all say, ‘That’s exactly what we have been told’.

“I’m open and honest with the players.

Survival

“We’ll look at it and speak to the relevant people. If it doesn’t fit, crack on.”

Burnley go into the weekend eight points clear of the relegation zone and one more win will probably be enough to ensure survival.

Dyche says the growing speculation over Keane’s future is no distraction as his side aim for a second successive season of topflight football for the first time since the mid-1970s.

He said: “I think it’s a natural part of the club’s continuing progress. It’s good in one way to have your players linked, getting recognised by, usually, bigger clubs.

“The challenge is then contractual. It’s a financial numbers game and it’s about players that are happy and settled, your divisional status, and so on.”

United are scrambling to secure a top-four finish, despite spending heavily last summer, but Dyche is not surprised about that.

Jose Mourinho’s side have been held back by no fewer than 12 league draws this season, including a 0-0 stalemate against Burnley at Old Trafford in October.

Dyche added: “The margins are tight wherever you are in the division.

“Some of the games there, including the one against us, they’ve been outstanding. We hung on, made saves, blocks, and so on.

“Luck still exists even at that top level, because there are some games where you’re scratching your head, thinking how they haven’t won it.”