Liverpool to step up interest in EPL defender

Liverpool could be willing to make a move for Burnley defender Michael Keane this summer after having been impressed by his performance against Germany in an international friendly.

The former Manchester United graduate was a surprise inclusion in a back three for the Three Lions who coped well against the German attack for the much of the game - barring a second-half stunner from the now-retired Lukas Podolski

A report from The Mail today claims that the Reds are stepping up their interest in the central defender following an excellent debut for his nation against the world champions.

Keane has been constantly linked with a move to Everton in recent months, and the Reds are prepared to offer stiff competition to their Merseyside rivals with the backline in need of much strengthening ahead of next season.

Summer recruit Ragnar Klavan has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the heart of the defence, and this will urge Jurgen Klopp to move for a new centre-half despite the excellent showing from out on loan Mamadou Sakho.

Sakho struggled to earn any playing time under Klopp following an early season rift and he is currently on a short-term loan at Crystal Palace, where he has a 100 percent record - played 3, won 3.