Manchester United news: Odds slashed on Michael Keane return to Old Trafford

Keane's impervious form for Burnley has earned him an England call-up and could seal United return after bookies slash odds on move

Keane could win his first senior cap for England against Scotland on Friday night (Getty )

Manchester United are the bookies favourites to make another major re-signing but this time in the shape of Burnley defender Michael Keane.

Keane has made an excellent start to the season under Sean Dyche and his impressive form at the heart of the Clarets defence has prompted England interim manager Gareth Southgate to hand him a call-up for upcoming fixtures against Scotland and Spain.

United boss Jose Mourinho has had to deal with a defensive crisis in recent weeks with Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia all currently sidelined and the 53-year-old is in dire need of reinforcements.

Mourinho is also reportedly considering offloading Smalling and Shaw following his furious public condemnation of the pair’s decision not to play in United 3-1 victory over Swansea on Sunday.

The England pair could join a United exodus in January with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind all linked with moves away from the club as Mourinho looks to remove any dead wood from his first team squad.

If Mourinho were to move for Keane then it would also be the second ex-United player that the club resign this season following their world record acquisition of Paul Pogba.

The 23-year-old defender left United in 2011 and enjoyed spells with Leicester, Derby and Blackburn before achieving promotion to Premier League with Burnley last season.

However, SkyBet have cut the odds on Keane returning to Old Trafford to 5-1 with Premier League rivals, Liverpool, at 10/1 to sign the towering centre back.

Keane was also superb on his return to Old Trafford this season where the Burnley back four frustrated goal-shy United during their recent 0-0 draw.