Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Michael Keane waiting on Liverpool Champions League qualification before completing £25m move

Burnley are resigned to losing their centre-back with interest from the top six

Tuesday 09 May 2017 10:34 BST

Michael Keane has also been linked with a move back to Manchester United (Getty)

Liverpool are on the verge of bringing former Manchester United defender Michael Keane to Anfield, with Burnley resigned to losing the England centre-back.

Keane has blossomed this season after being let go from United in 2015, winning his first England cap and being nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, eventually won by Dele Alli.

According to the Mirror, Jurgen Klopp has made Keane his top transfer target this summer and believes it is only a matter of time before the £25m deal goes through.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Show all 22

1/22Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Simon Mignolet – 5 out of 10

He was only forced to make a small number of saves, so it was an easy afternoon for the keeper.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Nathaniel Clyne – 6 out of 10

He was charging up and down the channels, but at times he was leaving Liverpool vulnerable the back when he was struggling to track back.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Dejan Lovren – 5 out of 10

Was clumsy in his challenges which gave away a cluster of unnecessary fouls. However, he held the line well at the back and used possession well.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Joel Matip – 6 out of 10

It was a relatively straight forward afternoon for the defender due to a lack of attacks from the Saints, but he did his job when he was called upon.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

James Milner – 4 out of 10

He missed from the penalty spot, which denied Liverpool the chance to take the lead. Despite an impressive record from the spot, Forster came out on top this time.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Emre Can – 5 out of 10

Appeared to run out of ideas in possession – when he was on the edge of the box he was just giving the ball away.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Lucas – 6 out of 10

He was pumping balls up to the strikers, but his efforts went unrewarded. He looked energetic, but he came out second best in a number of 50/50 challenges.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Georgino Wijnaldum – 6 out of 10

A textbook display from Wijnaldum in the middle, but sometimes he needs to use the simple option as opposed to always going for the long ball.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Roberto Firmino – 7 out of 10

Was Liverpool’s best player in the first half – he appeared to have no end of energy and his movement off the ball was creating chances.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Philippe Coutinho – 4 out of 10

His movement was good, but when he was on the ball he failed to take any of his chances. He looked as though he needed an injection of confidence.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Divock Origi – 6 out of 10

He looked menacing when he was charging at the Southampton defence, but he was just lacking the final product.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Fraser Forster – 9 out of 10

His exquisite penalty save kept the scores level and he made a collection of crucial stops throughout.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Cedric Soares – 7 out of 10

His repeated interceptions and clearances stopped a handful of Liverpool moves. He also used possession well from the back.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Jack Stephens – 5 out of 10

His moment of inanity for the handball was rescued by Forsters excellent save. Aside from that he defended well today.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Maya Yoshida – 5 out of 10

He was playing very deep, which was allowing the Liverpool to have a lot of space going forward.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Ryan Bertrand – 6 out of 10

He was crashing into challenges, holding his position well and looked more than capable of maintaining the Liverpool forwards.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Dusan Tadic – 6 out of 10

He was finding himself in all of the right places, but just lacked service throughout.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Steven Davis – 6 out of 10

Was highly influential in the Southampton side today and he started a handful of promising moves for the visitors.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Oriol Romeu – 7 out of 10

His bruising challenge on Origi marked his authority in the early stages of the game. He battled hard and tackled well.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

James Ward-Prowse – 6 out of 10

His deliveries into the area were menacing, but the Saints lacked an aerial threat so his crosses were never converted.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Sofiane Boufal – 4 out of 10

Aside from the occasional pass, Boufal had no input to the game today. He was constantly marked and did not seem to want the ball.

Liverpool 0 Southampton 0 player ratings

Manolo Gabbiadini – 4 out of 10

The striker went missing at times today and he failed to make any real impact when in possession.

They report that a four-year deal and personal terms have been agreed “in principle” with Keane just waiting to see if third-placed Liverpool will qualify for the Champions League before committing to them.

A return to Old Trafford with United has also been rumoured, as has interest from both Everton and Tottenham, but Liverpool now looks like the most likely destination.

Keane was allowed to leave the Red Devils at during Louis van Gaal’s reign and signed a three-and-a-half year contract with at Turf Moor in January 2015.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies