Manchester United are becoming increasingly confident that they will win the race to sign centre-back Michael Keane, according to Manchester Evening News.  Burnley are resigned to losing their star defender in the summer, with a host of Premier League teams keen on the England international.  Everton, Chelsea and Manchester City had all explored the possibility of landing the 24-year-old, but Unitedbelieve they have won the race to secure Keane’s services. 

Keane left old Trafford permanently in 2015 for Burnley after a series of loan moves and has thrived at Turf Moor this season, earning a WhoScored rating of 7.10 and an England debut earlier this year.  United boss Jose Mourinho is looking to strengthen at the back over the summer after missing out on Victor Lindelof in January and believes Keane has what it takes to establish as a long-term fan favourite at Old Trafford. 

Burnley are reluctant to cash in on their prized asset, but know they have to sell this summer or run the risk of losing him on a free in 2018 and value Keane at £25m.  Even if United miss out on Keane, however, they are in line to take 25% of any transfer fee due to a sell-on clause in his contract following his departure.