Michael Keane will leave Burnley next summer after turning down contract talks

Sportsmail understands Everton are in pole position to sign the central defender

Chelsea have also shown firm interest in the former Manchester United trainee

Everton have jumped to the front of the queue to sign England defender Michael Keane from Burnley next summer.

Keane, 23, will leave at the end of this season after rejecting Burnley's offer to talk about a new contract at Turf Moor.

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Chelsea have shown firm interest in the former Manchester United trainee, as have his old club.

Everton have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Burnley defender Michael Keane

Everton are seen as a progressive club where Keane can continue to learn his trade

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But Sportsmail understands Everton are in pole position as Keane and his advisers consider his next move.

Everton are seen as a progressive club where Keane can continue to learn his trade. A switch from Burnley to Goodison Park would also mean Keane could stay close to his family in the North West.

Burnley turned down a £17million bid from Leicester City last summer but are now resigned to losing Keane at the end of this campaign as he will have only one year left on his deal.

Burnley are resigned to losing Keane next summer as he will have only one year left on his deal

Ronald Koeman is keen to buy a long-term central defensive partner for Ashley Williams

Everton manager Ronald Koeman — an acclaimed central defender in his playing days — is keen to buy a partner for Ashley Williams, who joined from Swansea at the start of this season.

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Captain Phil Jagielka has endured a difficult campaign and Ramiro Funes Mori still lacks consistency at the highest level.

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Keane's stock has steadily risen over the last couple of years and in the autumn he was called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad.