Burnley manager Sean Dyche has told Chelsea that they will not be ableto prise defender Michael Keane away from Turf Moor if the manager does not wish them to.
Chelsea have kept three clean sheets out of three in the league against Hull, Leicester and Manchester United, partly due to a formation change using three at the back. However, this may not be enough to persuade Antonio Conte not to bid for Keane in January.
Leonardo Bonucci is also towards the top of his wish list. English duo Michael Keane and Ben Gibson are also on #Chelsea's radar. [Mail]
Keane was scouted by Chelsea in Burnley's 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday, but Dyche is not intimidated by the West London club's movements.
We're fortunate in that we don't have to sell, the good side of us being careful is that we're in a very healthy financial position."Dyche pointed out to TheSun.
Whatever the price, we don't have to sell.�
Keane has been excellent for Burnley this season, especially at Turf Moor. The Clarets have only lost to Arsenal at their home stadium since the opening day of the season, and that result was decided by a goal that should have been ruled out for handball.
'Fans were booing me off at Burnley in the first 6 months!'
Sean Dyche thinks managers now don't get enough time: https://t.co/KyGfPnCzyX
The defender also enjoys guaranteed first-team football for Burnley if fit, a benefit that is unlikely to be given at Chelsea. Conte has often employed three at the back in his managerial career, and £34m signing David Luiz is likely to stay first choice in the middle of the three.
Manchester United could do with some defensive support after Sunday's horror show against Chelsea, but they sold Keane to Burnley in 2015. They could have been able to cash in on a sell-on clause if Keane does join the Blues, but apparentlyforgot to include it in the deal!