Michael Keane is considering his options this summer but is not thinking about dropping down to the Championship at this point, Wrexham Insider understands.
Phil Parkinson is keen to add to his defensive options this summer and is looking for an experienced Premier League player to slot in at the heart of his back three.
Wrexham offered a contract to Craig Dawson but the Wolves defender is also wanted by a number of clubs, including Championship rivals Birmingham.
Ben Davies is Wrexham’s dream target but the Spurs man would be a difficult deal to complete after signing a new contract recently. Keane’s stance doesn’t rule out a Wrexham move altogether however.
READ MORE: EFL pundit backs Wrexham target for Championship transfer as potential £5m demand emerges
Michael Keane celebrates during Fulham FC v Everton FC in the Premier League clash.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Michael Keane wants to stay in the Premier League
Keane would be an excellent signing for Wrexham according to Everton expert Mark Marston and his aerial ability and ball-playing skills would set him apart in the second tier.
However, TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey believes that Keane is not looking to drop down a division at this stage in his career and can still make an impact in the top flight.
Bailey stated: “Michael Keane I am told is considering his options – I am told dropping down to the Championship was not something he wanted to do at this point and there is interest from the Premier League and top-flights in Europe.”
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There have been no concrete offers to Keane as of yet, including that of his current club Everton with his contract due to expire at the end of the month.
The longer it drags on, the more hopeful Wrexham may become of securing a deal for the England international, although Bailey explains that former club Burnley are monitoring his situation.
Sean Dyche believes Michael Keane is a ‘very good’ player
Keane has come in for some criticism over the last couple of seasons on Merseyside for being too error prone but his former boss Sean Dyche was full of praise for the defender.
Speaking to BBC Sport back in May 2023, Dyche defended Keane following criticism from supporters, he stated: “A lot of noise grew in the Newcastle game (a 4-1 defeat on April 27). I thought (Keane) was our best player until the second goal – that’s how it can change very quickly.
“He is a very good player amongst many good players here. Sorting the best 11 at any time, form related at any time, that’s the key to it.”
Keane’s arrival would be good news for Max Cleworth as the young defender would learn a lot from such an intelligent player, who has consistently performed well in the Premier League.
Eoghan O’Connell and Dan Scarr would be pushed down the pecking order but Parkinson knows he has two very capable players and the rigours of the Championship demands a deep squad.