Sheffield United lodge Everton transfer enquiry for ex-England international | OneFootball

Sheffield United have reportedly enquired about Everton's Michael Keane

Championship promotion hopefuls Sheffield United have lodged a transfer enquiry for Everton defender Michael Keane, who is out of favour and soon-to-be out of contract at Goodison Park.

That's according to a recent report by The Star, who claim that Chris Wilder is interested in the former England international in a bid to bolster his defensive options, following a season-ending injury to loanee Harry Souttar.

The current league leaders are plotting a number of ambitious moves this month following the long-awaited takeover of American-based consortium COH Sports - led by American businessmen Steven Rosen and Helmy Eltoukhy - at the end of December, which has evidently freed up funds for Chris Wilder to bolster his side's promotion bid.

The Blades are closing in on a double-swoop for Leicester City's Tom Cannon and Southampton forward Ben Brereton Diaz, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bramall Lane in the Premier League.

Following United's 2-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday afternoon, Wilder confirmed the club expect to land all five transfer targets, with three close to heading to the Steel City.

Sheffield United transfer interest in Everton's Michael Keane emerges

As per The Star's report, United have made their interest known for Keane, but it's not yet clear whether it will advance further than that.

That's because Everton are currently said to be reluctant about sanctioning departures in the thick of a relegation battle, under recently-returned manager David Moyes.

However, it is suggested that potential incomings on Merseyside could change the situation and Keane, who has made just nine top-flight appearances this term, may be attracted by heading out to play consistent football again.

The 12-cap England international was signed by Everton for £25 million from Burnley in the summer of 2017 but has endured a mixed stay at Goodison, with the last few seasons proving especially difficult as he's fallen down the pecking order.

Keane is also out of contract this summer, which could make it easier for United to broker a deal. The report added the Blades remain keen on Nottingham Forest defender Andrew Omobamidele, who has struggled for minutes at the City Ground this term.

Sheffield United need a replacement for Harry Souttar after Aussie's achilles injury

Wilder has been eager to reinforce the top-end of the pitch, but United also need fresh defensive options after Harry Souttar saw his successful loan stay cut agonisingly short as he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury last month.

Souttar has since returned to parent club Leicester City, leaving Wilder short of personnel at the heart of his defence.

Anel Ahmedhozic and Jack Robinson started in the aforementioned victory over the Canaries but there is precious little in the way of strength in depth at the minute, with Rhys Norrington-Davies representing the only other recognised senior candidate.

Keane, then, could prove a strong replacement for Souttar and it's a signing which United should be fighting to complete given just how short they are in the way of central defensive options.