Sheffield Wednesday: Burnley will keep up Tom Lees interest regardless of Michael Keane's future

Burnley are to continue their interest in Sheffield Wednesday defender Tom Lees, even if they manage to hold onto sought-after centre-half Michael Keane.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jun 2016, 23:57 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 20:26 BST
Tom Lees remains on the radar of BurnleyTom Lees remains on the radar of Burnley
Tom Lees remains on the radar of Burnley

And The Star understands that two other clubs in addition to Burnley, one in the Premier League and one in the Championship, are also monitoring Lees’ situation.

The 25 year-old had last week reportedly emerged as a potential target for Clarets’ boss Sean Dyche, amid news that Premier League champions Leicester City were lining up a £10million bid for Keane.

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That particular figure had been turned down but the Foxes are believed to be ready to make a revised offer, rising to somwhere in the region of £15million. It is understood, though, that even if Burnley manage to ward off the attentions of Leicester, they will maintain their tracking of Lees as Dyche bids to take a strong squad into their Premier League challenge.

Lees has emerged, in the past two seasons, as one of the most important members of Sheffield Wednesday’s squad, initially under Stuart Gray, who signed the defender from Leeds United, and then again last year under Carlos Carvalhal, helping to guide the Owls into the Play-Off Final.

His consistently impressive displays have previously drawn admirers from the top flight with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich - coincidentally now all relegated to the Championship - all reported to have been keeping tabs on Lees last year.

A month after the appointment of Carvalhal - the Portuguese today celebrates a year in charge at Hillsborough - Birmingham-born Lees signed a new four-year deal that would run until 2019.