Michael Keane is not “quite at that level” to make a “big jump” to a team the size of Liverpool, Jamie Carragher has said of the £25 million-rated defender.
The 24-year-old has seen his efforts at Burnley this season earn him senior international recognition with England and spark talk of a possible big-money summer transfer.
Manchester United are reported to be keen on returning a former member of their academy system to Old Trafford, while Liverpool are also in the hunt for defensive reinforcements.
Carragher, though, doubts that Keane would be a suitable option for Jurgen Klopp, especially at the asking price being bandied about.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s a big jump. To go from a team right at the bottom to a team right at the top. I don’t think he’s quite at that level.
Getty Images“It’s going to be £25million for a young English player – is he better than [Joel] Matip or [Dejan] Lovren? I think he’s at the same level.
“If you’re paying £25million on a centre back, you want to put him straight in your team to make a massive difference.”
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Keane has made 35 Premier League appearances for Burnley this season, having previously taken in 21 top-flight outings during their 2014-15 campaign.
He has helped to guide Sean Dyche’s side to safety and will make the Turf Moor outfit a tidy profit if he does move on, having joined permanently from United for £2.18 million in January 2015.