Burnley manager Sean Dyche has conceded that he expects more interest in defender Michael Keane, but is adamant he’s going nowhere.
The 23-year-old has impressed in the heart of the Premier League side’s defence so far this season, and has been an ever-present in the starting line-up.
Having also scored in the 2-0 win over Watford on Monday night, it’s clear how important the former Manchester United man is to the club, and so it’s no real surprise that Dyche is eager to dismiss any interest in him.
As reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, the Clarets rejected a £15m offer from Leicester City in the summer, while Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is understood to now be interested in signing the defender.
However, it doesn’t appear as though Dyche’s stance on the situation is changing any time soon, and he hopes that Keane will continue to form a crucial part of his side’s success.
“We’ve made it clear he’s not for sale, among others who are not for sale, and he’s still at the club so that’s ongoing,” Dyche told the LT.
“There’s a balance. It’s a kind of respect in a way, that people recognise some of our players are doing well but there’s also that little bit where you think ‘we’re not actively selling players’. We don’t want to lose players.
“Situations can become unsettled but Keano’s been really clear-minded throughout the summer.”
The latter part of his quotes is interesting, in that the last thing he will want is for the speculation to become a distraction for Keane who could end up having his head turned with the likes of Chelsea being linked with making a move.
The requirement for defensive reinforcements at Stamford Bridge is evident given the number of goals Chelsea have already conceded in just six games this season, and so Conte may be considering his options in the January transfer window.