Arsenal send scouts to watch Everton’s Michael Keane with Unai Emery ready to rival Spurs for £50m-rated defender
Pochettino has reportedly identified the 26-year-old England defender as 'his man' this summer but will have to battle his side's North London rivals
TOTTENHAM are reportedly ready to smash their transfer record to land Everton’s Michael Keane.
And they are ready to go head-to-hand with bitter rivals Arsenal in the battle to sign the England defender.
That’s according to the , who say the Mauricio Pochettino has identified the 26-year-old as “his man” this summer.
Colombian centre-half Davinson Sanchez is Spurs’ record-signing following his move from Ajax in 2017 in a deal that could total £40m.
Now that fee could be eclipsed as the North London giants look to strengthen their backline.
KEEN ON KEANE
But the Gunners are also keen and had their scouts alongside Spurs’ to assess Keane during Everton’s 2-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday.
Poch is starting to plan for life without Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian only has a year left on his contract and looks set to leave the club this summer.
And with Jan Vertonghen turning 32 this month, the Spurs boss wants to inject some youth into his defence.
MICHAEL'S RISE
Everton forked out £25m to bring Keane to Goodison Park two years ago from Burnley.
And after initially struggling, the ex-Manchester United has now hit top form for the Toffees.
He has featured in all but three of their Premier League matches this season and is now a firm fixture in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
The star was also celebrating last week as he netted his first international goal in the 5-0 Euro qualifying win in Montenegro.
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Keane will have another opportunity to impress his potential suitors at the weekend.
He is set to start for Everton when they welcome Arsenal to Merseyside on Sunday.
And he still has to play against Spurs when he and his team-mates travel to the capital on the final day of the season.