Reports: Tottenham looking to buy Everton star defender for £50m to replace Toby Alderweireld

What's the rumour?

Reports claim that representatives from both Arsenal and Tottenham watched Everton's 2-0 win at West Ham, while keeping their eye on Everton's top centre back Michael Keane, and this isn't too surprising.

In case you didn't know...

Tottenham are looking at the ugly possibility of losing Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen as their long-term futures at the club are currently clouded in doubt. Both defenders have around a year remaining on their respective contracts, and Alderweireld has a £25 million release clause in his contract which could mean letting him go in the summer.

The Spurs may not have much of an option than making a buy to fill that looming space in their defence, and they may be doing just that with their eyes on Michael Keane.

The former Manchester United academy graduate was unable to cement his position at Old Trafford, got loaned out to 4 clubs in 4 years, and eventually ended up playing for Burnley. His career at Burnley, however, was quite successful and he ended up on Everton's radar. The Toffies were quick to bring Keane to Goodison Park in 2017, where he is currently attracting interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.

In the heart of the matter...

Keane has become a very talented centre back, and he will be a solid buy for either Mauricio Pochettino or Unai Emery. Pochettino, however, is in dire need of a top-tier centre back and will likely be very interested in making a bid for Keane if Alderweireld leaves the Spurs. Sources say that Everton has set Michael's Keane price to start at £50 million, which is £20 million more than he cost the Toffees in 2017.

Arsenal and Tottenham to lock horns over Michael Keane with Everton set to demand £50m for England star https://t.co/79cbAjcMfg

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) April 1, 2019

Keane would fit right into the starting XI at Tottenham within the vacancy that losing one or both of their centre backs would create. As a defender, Keane's ability to remove dangerous aerial balls will increase Spurs' defensive profile. Also, Tottenham would have a 26-year-old centre back just entering the prime years of his career, and because Keane is a homegrown player, it reduces the pressure on their future transfer choices.

However, the main question to ask is simple: Will Everton sell Keane at any price? He has already proven to be near irreplaceable for the team, and he's just entering his prime. Letting a home-grown player go before getting the best of him seems like a rather unreasonable path for Goodison Park officials to take, especially when Everton have no financial difficulty of note, and therefore no real reason to sell.

Rumour probability: 8/10

Buying Keane is a win-win situation for Tottenham, and seems very likely that they will make their bid soon. Everton's formal response can only be guessed at this time. However, the decision could be Keane's in the end.

The excitement and allure that would certainly come with playing for a bigger club will be a deciding factor. As much as Everton has improved noticeably in many areas, they are not near Tottenham's level especially in terms of resources and talent.

Keane may agitate to move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where quite a few of his England teammates already reside. He would be looking to advance his career and this might be that chance for him.

What's next?

Whatever decision is made concerning Michael Keane, this summer will prove to be a seriously busy transfer window. Even if Tottenham can't convince Everton to sell Keane, or Keane moves to Arsenal, they would likely let go of Alderweireld. The search for the perfect centre back must continue for Mauricio Pochettino.