English Premier League side Everton have made Burnley centre-back Michael Keane their latest acquisition, signing the 24-year-old for a hefty sum of £30 million. 

The former Manchester United Academy graduate has penned a five-year-deal as the Toffees continue to make waves in the summer transfer window, having already signed the likes of Jordan Pickford, Sandro Ramirez and Davy Klaassen. 

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While the initial fee is £25 million, it could rise to a club record-equalling £30 million with add-ons, the club confirmed. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be at Everton, a fantastic football club with passionate fans and a great tradition and I can’t wait to come into training tomorrow to meet all the lads,” Keane was quoted as saying by the club website. 

Keane played for the Republic of Ireland’s youth teams before switching his allegiance to play for the country of his birth, England, from the U-19 age category before eventually making his senior debut in 2017. 

“First and foremost, the manager was a big factor in me coming to the Club. He played in my position when he was a world-class player for a great Barcelona side and a great Dutch side and the style of football he likes to play will suit me, I believe,” enthused a visibly excited Keane.

After going on loan to several clubs while at parent club Manchester United, he found his feet at Premier League side Burnley, who made his loan move permanent on January 2015 after he had impressed in his initial six months at Turf Moor. 

It was at the Clarets that he went from strength to strength, emerging as one of the league’s finest young defenders, with a host of clubs, including Manchester United, said to be interested in signing him. 

“Michael was high among the players we wanted to bring to Everton this summer and I'm delighted he is here at the Club,” Everton manager Ronald Koeman said. 

"It's another really positive sign of the direction the Club is moving in. He's 24 years old, his best years are to come, he's an England international, too, and I couldn't be more pleased that he's now a Blue,” Koeman added.