London rivals eye Keane

TOTTENHAM and Arsenal are set for a summer battle over Michael Keane. The north London rivals sent representatives to watch the England central defender as Everton won 2-0 at West Ham on Saturday. Keane has regained his place in Gareth Southgate’s side and performed well in the recent games against the Czech Republic and Montenegro — scoring his first England goal during the 5-1 win over the latter. Spurs are expected to be in the market for a defender, with doubts about the futures of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, who each have one year left on their contracts. Arsenal are also looking at the position, with manager Unai Emery saying in January that adding to his central defenders would be a ‘good option’. Keane has been one of the Premier League’s best at the back this campaign, with his numbers for tackles, aerial duels and clearances per game outranking all bar Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. Keane’s ability to play out from the back compelled Southgate to restore him to his starting line-up. The 26-year-old had an indifferent 2017-18 season but played through an injury which eventually caused an infection that nearly led to amputation. The former Manchester United academy graduate is clear of those problems now and his form has improved, prompting Champions League clubs to begin scouting him. Everton would resist any sale and could demand up to £50million, given Keane has three years left on the deal he signed after leaving Burnley for £25m in 2017.