Everton defender Michael Keane is being linked with a January move to West Ham as former Blues boss David Moyes.
According to 90min, the Hammers are exploring a deal to bring the Blues' centre-back to East London as a replacement for Craig Dawson.
The former Watford and West Brom man is said to be eyeing up an exit in January for family reasons, and that could create an opening for 29-year-old Keane who has been on Merseyside for the past five seasons, but is now finding first team opportunities limited thanks to the arrival of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski.
READ MORE: Everton analysis - Frank Lampard sent striker message as January transfer hint dropped
READ MORE: 'An unbelievable feeling' - Everton midfielder made World Cup history in his home city
Keane joined Everton from Burnley on a five-year contract for an initial fee of £25million. He has been a first team regular during that period, making 189 appearances for the Blues and scoring 11 goals. In August 2020, the former Manchester United academy graduate signed a new contract to extend his stay at Goodison Park until 2025.
But a downturn in form, combined with Everton's unwelcome flirt with relegation last season, forced manager Frank Lampard to seek reinforcements in defence last summer and the arrival of the centre-back pairing of Cody and Tarkowski has limited Keane to just one Premier League appearance this season against Brentford, back in August and two outings in the Carabao Cup.
West Ham fans' favourite Dawson is believed to favour a move back to the Midlands to be closer to his family, which could open the door for Keane to make the move to the capital. 90min says that a possible summer move for Dawson to Wolves or Aston Villa was eventually dropped when West Ham failed to bring in Jan Bednarek from Southampton.
Aside from Keane, Cody and Tarkowski, Everton also have centre-backs Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate on their books.
READ MORE:
- Frank Lampard delighted with hidden star of Everton's Australia trip who wasn't even meant to be on the plane
- Everton have January transfer shortlist as Frank Lampard explains 'priority' target
-
Duncan Ferguson's x-rated response to David Moyes that left Everton dressing room laughing
- Mohammed Kudus and four other forwards Everton could target in January transfer window
