Lennon’s return
AARON LENNON is back in training with Everton – two months since suffering a stress-related illness. The winger reported for a pre-season workout yesterday as he continues his recovery from a mental health illness that saw his season cut short last term. The 30-year-old was detained under the Mental Health Act in May. There were concerns over his welfare after he was found next to a motorway in Salford.
Lennon (below) joined a group of players at the club’s Finch Farm training base.
The former England star has not featured for the Toffees since February and it is unclear if he is
ready to return – or if he is still part of boss Ronald Koeman’s plans.
Everton last night completed the club record-equalling signing of Keane from Burnley.
The England defender put pen to paper on a five-year deal as Everton continued to splash the cash.
Keane’s move from the Clarets is an initial £25m that could rise to £30m, which would match the figure the Toffees paid Sunderland for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
He is the club’s fifth signing of the summer, as Everton confirmed the £5.2m capture of forward Sandro Ramirez from Malaga yesterday.
They have also brought in £23.6m Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen and £7m forward Henry Onyekuru from Eupen, although he will be loaned out to Anderlecht next season.
Factor
The spending won’t stop there, as £20m-rated Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is on their wanted list along with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Burnley ace Andre Gray.
Koeman has made no secret of his interest in Rooney but they have yet to make a formal move for the former Goodison star.
Meanwhile, Keane cited the chance to work with former Barcelona centreback Koeman as the reason for his move.
He said: “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.
“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.”