Sheffield Wednesday: Leicester's Keane pursuit could bring fresh Burnley interest in Tom Lees

Leicester City are poised to return with an improved bid for Burnley centre half Michael Keane after seeing an initial approach rejected.

And Burnley – newly promoted to the Premier League – have identified Wednesday defender Lees as a major transfer target should Keane depart.

The Star understands Burnley made a tentative enquiry over the availability for Lees earlier this month but have yet to firm up their interest with a bid.

The Clarets face a battle to retain the services of 23-year-old Keane with Leicester willing to splash the cash.

The Foxes made a bid of around £12m for highly-rated Keane – twin brother of former Owls loanee Will – earlier this week.

And the Premier League champions are understood to be undeterred by having the offer rejected and look set to return with an improved bid over the next few days.

Burnley insist they have no reason to sell given the financial windfall promotion to the top flight has delivered to them.

But Keane is reportedly interested in speaking to Leicester, due to the lure of Champions League football.

Should Keane depart, Burnley will likely flex their new financial muscle in a bid to sign Lees.

A departure for the 24-year-old could continue the transfer domino effect with Wednesday showing interest in Blackburn Rovers defender Grant Hanley.

Wednesday have balked at a £5m price tag on the Scotland international but would be keen to replace Lees with someone of a similar quality if he were to leave.

The Owls’ interest in Hanley has not arisen due to a potential departure for Lees but rather a desire to add an additional centre half to the squad.